“Doing the Most Good.” In these four words, our mission – to feed, to clothe, to comfort, to care, to rebuild broken homes and broken lives. By walking with the addicted, we can lead them to recovery. By fighting hunger and poverty, we can feed and nurture the spirit. And, by living and sharing the Christian Gospel and meeting tangible needs, we give the world a lasting display of the love behind our beliefs.
The Salvation Army operates more than 50 social service agencies strategically placed throughout Southern California. Material and spiritual support is our standard - social services delivered with compassion is our model - anyone in need is our prerequisite. Our work is funded through kettle donations, corporate contributions, and the sale of goods donated to Salvation Army Family Stores. Eighty-two cents of every dollar we raise supports our various programs across Southern California. We are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions are deductible for Federal Income Tax Purposes to the extent permitted under Section 170(b)(2) for corporations.
An international movement, The Salvation Army is an evangelical arm of the universal Christian Church. Our message is based on the Bible, and our ministry is motivated by the love of God. We preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Intake Coordinator oversees daily intake operations, supervises Intake Specialists, and ensures all participant admissions are processed efficiently and in compliance with program requirements.
They also manage bed availability, maintain accurate participant data, and coordinate with internal and external partners to support shelter services.
What you need
A bachelor's degree in social work or a related field is preferred, along with at least one year of experience working with homeless or special needs populations.
Candidates must possess strong organizational skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and the ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification.
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the
universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is
motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus
Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Position Summary
The Intake Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and coordinating intake
services for participants entering all Bell Shelter programs, excluding
residential treatment programs. The Intake Coordinator directly supervises and
provides guidance to Intake Specialists, ensuring that intake activities are
completed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with program requirements,
contractual obligations, and organizational policies.
The Intake Coordinator works closely with program leadership and the Intake
Specialists to ensure bed vacancies are appropriately filled, participant
eligibility and placement requirements are met, data is accurate and timely, and
all required intake documentation is completed and submitted within established
deadlines. The Intake Coordinator assists with complex or escalated intakes,
monitors the quality and consistency of intake processes, and ensures effective
communication and coordination among programs.
The Intake Coordinator promotes a welcoming, trauma-informed, and
participant-centered intake experience while supporting participants' transition
into shelter services and promoting self-sufficiency throughout their stay. The
position also supports staff training, workflow improvements, compliance
monitoring, and the consistent implementation of intake procedures across all
Bell Shelter program
Essential Functions
Intake Coordination and Supervision
* Coordinate daily intake operations for all Bell Shelter programs and provide
direction and support to Intake Specialists.
* Ensure adequate Intake Department staffing during designated operating hours.
The Intake Specialist reports directly to the Intake Coordinator.
* Conduct and coordinate daily phone screenings, determine program eligibility,
schedule intakes, and ensure timely completion of admissions.
* Ensure all intake calls and emails are answered professionally and within
established timeframes.
* Monitor intake workflows to ensure bed vacancies are appropriately and timely
filled.
* Ensure all program enrollment requirements are met prior to participant
enrollment.
* Coordinate with the Intake team, Program Managers and Case Managers, and
other departments to address intake needs and resolve barriers.
Intake, Screening, and Participant Admission
* Conduct and oversee intake screenings and admissions for all Bell Shelter
programs, excluding residential treatment.
* Ensure incoming participants are screened through required registries and
that all required eligibility and admission procedures are completed prior to
entry.
* Ensure required intake testing and property searches are completed, including
UA testing, as applicable.
* Coordinate daily orientation for new participants regarding shelter services,
expectations, and house rules.
* Ensure basic essentials, including hygiene supplies, linens, and clothing,
are available at initial intake.
Documentation, Data Integrity, and Compliance
* Oversee the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of participant
documentation in electronic databases and paper files.
* Ensure participants are enrolled in HMIS within 24 hours of entering the
program.
* Coordinate the timely assignment and transfer of participant files to Case
Managers.
* Monitor completion of required intake documentation, including initial case
notes, bed services, program enrollment documents, and other required
records.
* Ensure participant and staff badges are created or replaced within
established timeframes.
* Coordinate participant sign-in sheets and maintain current records.
* Work with the Intake team, Case Managers, and Quality Assurance Coordinator
to ensure databases accurately reflect current bed occupancy.
* Support audit preparation and conduct assigned file reviews to ensure
compliance, accuracy, and completeness.
Bed Management and Reporting
* Monitor daily bed availability and coordinate appropriate placement of
participants across shelter programs.
* Ensure daily bed checks, chores, and occupancy activities are completed and
documented.
* Monitor and submit required occupancy, census, bed services, and other
program reports within established deadlines.
* Coordinate, prepare, and/or submit the reporting of vacancies to funders and
internal departments as required.
* Maintain accurate occupancy statistics and monthly tracking reports for
applicable contracts.
Community Coordination and Referrals
* Develop and maintain effective working relationships with social service
agencies and community partners to support appropriate referrals and maintain
shelter occupancy.
* Coordinate with external providers and internal departments to facilitate
participant access to available resources and services.
* Support housing-focused follow-up activities and ensure required follow-ups
are completed within established funder or program timeframes.
Quality Assurance and Program Compliance
* Participate in Department meetings with Intake Team, Program Managers, and
Quality Assurance Coordinator to review processes, forms, documentation, and
compliance requirements.
* Ensure intake forms and procedures remain current and consistent with program
and funder requirements.
* Monitor the Intake Team's compliance with established policies, procedures,
deadlines, and documentation standards.
* Assist with implementation of process improvements to strengthen intake
efficiency, data integrity, and participant services.
Participant Support, Safety, and Incident Response
* Promote a participant-centered intake process utilizing Trauma-Informed Care,
Harm Reduction, Housing First, and a “whatever it takes” approach.
* Respond to participant concerns, grievances, and incidents in a professional
and solution-focused manner.
* Coordinate the de-escalation and resolution of participant concerns and
report disciplinary or notable incidents to appropriate program leadership.
* Complete required incident or mandated reports when applicable.
* Coordinate or participate in daily rounds, locker searches, property roll-ups
and returns, downsizing of participant property, and monitoring of
participant areas for health and safety concerns.
* Monitor common areas, beds, and other shelter spaces for potential health,
safety, or fire hazards.
Shelter Operations and Supplies
* Coordinate with shelter operations to ensure linen closets and intake areas
are adequately stocked.
* Ensure bed rolls and other essential intake supplies are available for
scheduled intakes and walk-ins.
* Monitor intake-related activities, including chores, meals, snacks, and other
activities as assigned.
Communication, Training, and Collaboration
* Communicate effectively with team, participants, Case Managers, Program
Managers, Quality Assurance, outside providers, and management.
* Provide guidance, coaching, and direction to Intake Specialists to support
consistent and effective performance.
* Attend required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities,
both on and off site.
* Support the implementation of new program requirements, procedures, and
funder expectations within the Intake Department.
Working Conditions
This position involves primarily field-based work with regular duties at the
shelter and office responsibilities. The role requires frequent movement,
including walking, standing, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching,
pushing, pulling, and lifting or carrying items up to 25 pounds. The position
requires use of standard office equipment and may involve travel to housing
appointments, community agencies, and other locations. The work environment may
include challenging or unpredictable situations and frequent interruptions,
requiring flexibility, professionalism, sound judgment, and adherence to safety
and de-escalation procedures. Evening, weekend, holiday, extended-hour, or
emergency work may be required based on program needs. Reasonable accommodations
may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications
* BA/BS degree preferred in social work or related area of study with 1-year
work experience with special needs, low-income and/or homeless populations,
experience providing direct mental health or intensive case management
services to individuals experiencing homeless.
* Current knowledge of and interest in homeless populations and available
supportive resources.
* If in recovery, must have 2 years of sobriety.
* Understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army.
* Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification prior to employment.
* TB-cleared prior to hire.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
* Knowledge in HMIS preferred.
* Computer literate, Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and ability
to type 45 wpm. Basic math skills.
* Excellent time management and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Professional telephone etiquette.
* Strong work ethic; must be able to complete tasks well and efficiently. Meet
deadlines and work with attention to detail.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality of verbal and written information about
participants, facility operations and personnel.
* Possess necessary initiative, adaptability, and responsibility to work with
minimum supervision.
* Ability to work independently and/or interact with team members at all levels
and promote teamwork
* Strong interpersonal skills with both participants and staff in a
professional, respectful manner.