Safety Ambassador

ABOUT US Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at‑risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma‑informed, low‑barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop‑in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs. SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth‑focused programming. We explicitly seek applications from those who self‑identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity‑centered approach to problem‑solving. ABOUT THE ROLE The Safety Ambassador is part of the Mental Health Advocates team under the Department of Mental Health Initiative to increase connection of the community to mental health support. The Safety Ambassador will serve as a lead in addressing security, safety, crisis intervention/de‑escalation, and ensuring that dysregulated youth are being linked to the appropriate intervention to ensure their safety and the safety of the community. WHAT YOU’LL DO 60% Program Implementation Establish authentic, positive, and supportive relationships with members and provide/welcome feedback. Conduct thorough daily screenings of individuals entering the program to evaluate their mental health status and needs. Serve as the point person for on‑site crisis intervention, utilizing de‑escalation techniques, risk assessments, and evaluating their ability to safely engage in programing. Coordinate and facilitate safe exits from the property for individuals experiencing crises, ensuring a supportive and respectful process. Conduct checks for weapons and unwanted substances in accordance with site safety guidelines. Promote and coach peers to engage in mental health support and develop mental health management plans and goals. Provide support and guidance to clients as they enter, ensuring their comfort and addressing any immediate concerns. Work with staff and community personnel to maintain a safe environment for all program participants. Work closely with program staff, including clinicians, case managers, and staff personnel, to ensure a seamless and coordinated approach to client support. Act as a liaison on behalf of community members to follow‑up with health management/care plans and providers. Promote COVID‑19 awareness; provide community education on prevention, transmission and testing; encourage testing and clinical care for symptoms. Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization. 25% Psychoeducation and Case Management Assist youth in understanding care plans, language, and instructions. Facilitate community members’ access to mental health related services, including but not limited to: information and instruction on appropriate use of resources, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed care and social services. Promote and coach self‑love and care by supporting community members to engage in their mental health and develop management plans and goals. 15% Administrative Document activities, service plans, and results in an effective manner while strictly adhering to policy and procedure. Attend internal and external meetings; including the Dept of Mental Health. Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization. WHAT YOU’LL NEED Experience working as a security guard/safety ambassador required Guard card certification or ability to complete guard card certification required 1-2 years of experience in social services or related fields is preferred 1+ years experience working with high‑risk youth or the unhoused community preferred Individuals with knowledge of or mental health lived experience are encouraged to apply A commitment to and a passion for the mission, vision, values, and culture of SPY Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment that requires attention to detail and effective collaboration with a variety of organizations and individuals Strong written and verbal communication skills Cultural responsiveness and humility Ability to work and communicate respectfully within a context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds Experience using technology; social media, database systems, Google Suite Ability to work some evenings and weekends (some local travel required) WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors. Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times. COVID‑19 Vaccination Requirements Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID‑19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. DRIVER POSITIONS Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include: Suspended or revoked license Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years BENEFITS & PERKS Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth. EEO STATEMENT All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment‑qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. #J-18808-Ljbffr