The San Diego Rescue Mission is built on beliefs that speak to the heart. We believe this is more than a job, that it's a calling to love our neighbors and those in need the way that Jesus would. In our programs, we create a holistic approach to recovery and rehabilitation while ensuring that our building is a safe haven for men, women and children who have experienced homelessness.

The Community Life Ambassador position is designed to give you an entry level opportunity to leadership in ministry. This role requires you to be outgoing and hold the ability to establish boundaries, to be solution focused, task oriented, computer literate, passionate, self-disciplined and free to implement team harmony. Community Life Ambassadors serve all Mission Programs and promote Student & Guest health, safety, and accountability and provide support to guests and students in order to create a stable, safe environment necessary to pursue healing. This position is non-exempt and reports to the Director of the Oceanside Navigation Center.

Key Responsibilities:

To support guests and students in their day-to-day activities

• Demonstrates an understanding (or openness to) and implementation of trauma-informed practices and various de-escalation techniques while interacting with guests and students in the delivery of services.
• Monitors assigned areas (while also supporting other areas as necessary), including but not limited to: bag checks, room checks & inspections, laundry, unit cleanliness, hourly radio check- ins, meal supervision and support.
• Provides leadership and/or intervention in emergency situations.
• Collaboratively works with other CLAs to meet organization and guest/student needs.
• Identify and report APS and CPS concerns as necessary.

To create an environment of safety and care that is trauma informed

• Intentionally connects with guests/students to provide relational and spiritual support.
• Able to recognize suicidal/homicidal ideation and other crises and intercede by providing trauma- informed crisis interventions to ensure individual and group safety.
• Support guests/students in maintaining program-specific compliance including: attendance to various program requirements, drug & alcohol screening, smoke breaks, curfew, and encouraging appropriate personal hygiene.
• Ensure guests/students are treated with dignity and compassion.
• Maintain and adhere to strong professional social service ethics and boundaries.
• Exercise good judgment for the well-being of guests/students when decisions arise that may demand altering the rules.

To provide administrative support and other documentation as needed

• Maintains minimum established standard of shift notes, reports, and other necessary documentation as trained and required.
• Provides basic administrative support including but not limited to: answering phones, faxing, mail processing, ordering supplies, donation room.
• Facilitate guest/student check-in, discharge/program exits as determined by specific program needs.
• Coordinate various program elements as needed and directed by supervisor.
• Communicates effectively both internally and externally.

To represent our Mission, Vision, and Values and continue to grow professionally and spiritually

• Exemplify a Mission-wide perspective.
• Remain mindful of the organization's Mission and Vision as a filter for all we do.
• Embody The Mission's organizational values: Faith, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence.
• Intentionally participate in spiritual practices that continue to grow and expand your relationship with Christ.
• Participate in regularly scheduled monthly staff meetings, required in-service, and other trainings (CPR FA/AED and Mental Health FA).
• Willingly engage to resolve conflicts with co-workers, clients, and community partners as necessary.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills/ Requirements

Education: Minimum AA Social Services, Psychology, Human Development, Ministry or related field from an accredited institution (or commensurate experience, equating to 1 year). Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience: Experience with individuals experiencing homelessness, various addiction challenges, mental illness and/or dual diagnosis (1 year is preferred). Nonprofit experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities: Calmly and sensitively employ appropriate de-escalation techniques with residents; working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook); typing (min 35 wpm); coordinate and/or direct a variety of complex tasks and assignments simultaneously and successfully; exercise good judgment and make sensible decisions; attentive to detail; prioritize effectively; effective oral and written communication skills; eagerness to learn and be trained; work both independently and as part of a team; provide information to public by answering questions and requests; regular, timely attendance.

Important Notes