Problem Solving Specialist

Company: SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: JOB TITLE : Problem Solving Specialist REPORTS TO : Access Center Program Manager SCHEDULE : Monday-Thursday (11:00 AM - 7:30 PM) & Friday (9:30 AM - 6:00 PM) LOCATION : Venice, CA STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt CELL PHONE: Reimbursement for use DRIVER POSITION: Yes [if yes, please reference driving policy] SALARY RANGE: $24.00/hr 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. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees. SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. 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: A member of the Access Center team, the Problem Solving Specialist is able to offer problem-solving (also known as "Diversion" or "Rapid Resolution") services, which is a crisis response philosophy and approach focused on supporting youth experiencing a housing crisis to quickly identify and access alternative housing resources outside of the homeless crisis response system. By practicing active listening skills through creative conversations, the Problem Solving Specialist supports the youth in crisis to identify viable temporary or permanent housing resources within their own networks or resources, such as family or friends. In select cases and as a last resort, limited and one-time financial assistance can enhance an individual or family's success in rapidly connecting to alternative temporary or permanent housing. WHAT YOU’LL DO: Utilize culturally-relevant active listening and motivational interviewing skills with participants to identify possible supports in their network that can assist them with temporary or permanent housing outside of the Youth Coordinated Entry System (YCES) Deliver both field- and place-based supportive services, as appropriate, to participants Acquire resources and make successful referrals, including follow-up to ensure the participant successfully accesses and initially retains housing Identify safety or health issues that may need to be considered during identification of housing Provide mediation between households and property owners/family/friends to assist in resolving housing crisis Partner with legal service providers to resolve housing crises Negotiate terms of agreements between participants and host as appropriate (e.g. actively seek employment, attend to medical/mental health/substance abuse issues, complete household chores weekly, etc.) Ensure services are documented (e.g. face to face, phone and collateral contacts) in all relevant databases in a timely and thorough manner Assist in budgeting with participants, and determine what level of minimal assistance is necessary to be successfully housed or have housing crisis resolved Facilitate access to YCES for participants, as appropriate, including the completion of the Initial Triage and Initial Assessment phases of system access and assessment For participants gaining entry into CES, provide a warm handoff to sustained case management services where possible, or provide initial case management for up to 60 days upon the participant gaining CES access Attend trainings and participate in regular technical assistance such as learning collaboratives Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization Requirements: WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or related field is preferred , but not required. 1-2 years of experience in case management, counseling or related experience is required . 2 years experience providing direct services to high-risk youth including counseling and advocacy is required . 1 years’ experience working in a drop-in center, access center, or access point is preferred . Knowledge and experience working with co-occurring populations (chronic health conditions, mental health and substance abuse) is preferred . Cultural Humility and Responsiveness. Best practice models including: Housing First, Positive Youth Development, Authentic Youth Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Critical Time Intervention preferred Self-Starter skill set, requiring the ability to develop relationships, build rapport and trust with members, community partners, volunteers, and staff. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including organizational, detail and interpersonal skills. Ability to uphold Access Center policy and procedure with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities in a multicultural environment. Works cooperatively with individuals, groups and organizations with diverse mission, composition, function, capacity and geographic location. Understanding of homeless services including CES and HMIS database. Strong understanding of LA County foster care and juvenile justice systems, including foster care placement options, participant rights and eligibility, and discharge planning processes preferred. Strong belief in growth mindset, self-determination, and psychological resilience. Must have valid CA Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record 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. SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. 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 HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited. 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 The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer -service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/ For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued. NOTE : All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time. 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 a diverse and 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. Please include references in your application.

Keywords: SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH, Santa Barbara , Problem Solving Specialist, Social Services , Los Angeles, California