The Direct Services Coordinator maintains a safe, secure, and clean environment at the shelter while providing support and problem-solving assistance to guests. They are responsible for distributing meals, managing incident reports, and applying harm reduction strategies during their shift.
Requirements overview
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED, along with valid CPR and First Aid certifications. A valid California driver's license and a clean driving record are required for this position.
Formerly known as Homeless Services Center, Housing Matters is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the largest local organization addressing homelessness in Santa Cruz County. Our mission is to partner with individuals and families to create pathways out of homelessness into permanent housing.
Donor contributions support our emergency shelter programs (including housing navigation and placement), personalized case management, day services with showers and bathrooms open to the public, on-site supportive services, and the construction of permanent supportive housing—now underway—for our unhoused neighbors most in need.
We hold firmly to the vision that homelessness in our community should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. If you share that same vision, consider joining us! Take a look at our current job openings, or contact us about volunteer opportunities.
Social ServicesSecurity & SafetyCustomer Service & SupportAdministrative
Description
Direct Services Coordinator (PM Shift) - ERP
Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring.
The primary role of the Direct Services Coordinator (DSC) is to actively support program activities and maintain a safe and clean environment for all shelter guests at the Housing Matters’ Live Oak Landing shelter. Additionally, DSCs remain vigilant and available to handle all emergencies that may arise.
Hours and Benefits:
This Direct Services Coordinator role is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, eligible for medical, dental, vision, 403b, and our generous PTO plan.
Regularly scheduled shifts are:
* Saturday-Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm
* May include holidays.
Benefits Summary:
* 6 Medical plans to choose from (100% employee coverage is available on select plans)
* Dental - 100% employee coverage
* Vision - 100% employee coverage
* Life insurance (UNUM) - 100% employee coverage
* Chiropractic and Acupuncture (for those who elect medical insurance) – on select plans
* 403b Retirement Savings matched up to 3% dollar-for-dollar with no vesting period
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Travel Assistance
* PTO, 1 paid floating holiday, 9 paid holidays
Starting Wage (Offer is Dependent on Experience):
$22.00 $22.66 $23.34 $24.04 $24.76 $25.50
Preferred Experience/ Education Requirements:
* High school diploma or GED completion
* Bilingual English and Spanish speaking preferred
* EMT certification is a plus
Special Requirements:
* CPR and First Aid certification required
* In possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a clean driving record
* Ability to work independently and with little supervision
Thorough knowledge of:
* Barriers to housing for people experiencing homelessness
* De-escalation techniques
* Multitasking in a fast-paced environment
* Radio communication
* Sanitation techniques
Typical Job Duties:
* Maintaining a safe, secure, and clean environment
* Be available to answer questions and problem-solve with shelter guests
* Distribute meals during designated mealtimes and provide supplies as needed
* Understand and apply housing first and harm reduction strategies
* Maintain and role model professional boundaries at all times
* Respond appropriately to potential encounters using de‐escalation techniques
* Call upon community resources for assistance when appropriate
* Maintain quiet hours and visitor policy
* Communicate with staff via email or during shift handoffs
* When appropriate, complete Incident Reports under policy guidelines
* Review and maintain accurate documentation during shifts
* Provide support to staff and community organizations during program activities
* Attend staff and agency trainings and meetings as required
* Other duties as assigned
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Housing Matters without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer-related and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 18), veteran status, gender, pregnancy, or any other non-merit factor unrelated to job duties. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment; advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training (including apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer.
Saturday-Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm
40 hours per week