Housing Support Specialist, Awake Overnight (24-26 hours/week) at Orangewood Foundation – Santa Ana, California

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our Mission: Since 1981, the Orangewood Foundation has passionately advocated for young people facing foster care, homelessness, and trafficking. Our mission is to empower these individuals by supporting the futures they envision, providing dedicated one-on-one support to help them achieve their dreams and goals.

Our Programs & Services: We provide programs and services in four essential areas: Basic Needs & Support, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Transitional Housing & Support.

Our Vision: A community where every young person thrives. This is our long-term goal for young people in Orange County. We embody this goal every time we talk to a young person, a volunteer, a community member, and to each other.

Our Commitment: Equal Opportunity Employer, Flexible Scheduling, Powerful Teamwork, Personal Fulfillment, Thriving Community, Professional Development, Mental & Physical Wellness, Competitive Compensation.

Our Values: At Orangewood, recently ranked #27 in Best Places to Work 2025, we take pride in fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. We ask all staff to uphold the following core values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, and Advocacy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Housing Support Specialist, Awake Overnight (24-26 hours/week)

Employment Classification: Part-time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Overnight Housing Supervisor

Shift: Sun-Tues 8:00pm-2:30am, Wed 7:30pm-2:00am

Department: Young Adult Court

Program Summary:

The Young Adult Court Program (YAC) works in collaboration with University of California-Irvine, Orangewood Foundation, Probation, the District Attorney’s Office, Defense Attorney’s Office, and The Orange County Superior Court. The YAC program provides engagement, assessment, clinical case management and resource coordination support to Transitional Age Young Men (ages 18-25) as part of a collaborative research study to reduce recidivism.

Position Summary:

The Overnight Housing Support Specialist is responsible for providing overnight supervision and support in a transitional recovery home with up to six residents. This role plays a key part in maintaining a safe, stable, and supportive environment by responding to resident needs and crises as they arise, while consistently upholding and enforcing house guidelines.

When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Maintain a safe, orderly, and recovery-centered environment throughout the night.
• Conduct and document routine wellness checks, when appropriate, to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
• Perform nightly household tasks to uphold hygiene and cleanliness in shared living spaces.
• Provide evening support to residents, including assistance with routines, meal preparation, and daily living skills.
• Deliver trauma-informed, strengths-based guidance to help residents adapt to the home and adhere to program expectations.
• Support residents in progressing toward recovery goals established in collaboration with their Care Coordinator.
• Use calm, clear communication and de-escalation techniques in crisis situations; mediate interpersonal issues among residents when needed.
• Collaborate with the Housing Coordinator and Program Supervisor to understand residents' individual needs, histories, and goals.
• Accurately complete daily progress notes, special incident reports, and log updates to track resident activity and significant events.
• Uphold all YAC program policies and procedures, ensuring consistency and accountability within the home.
• Additional duties as assigned by direct supervisor.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with youth, preferably transition-age youth (TAY), in a residential, recovery, behavioral health, or supportive housing setting.
• Lived experience or peer support certification is a plus

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience working sensitively with individuals impacted by trauma, using trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to supporting young adults in their recovery and personal development.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound and timely decisions under pressure, particularly when managing youth crises.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical decision-making in all aspects of the role.
• Ability to think critically and strategically, identifying opportunities and challenges and developing solutions to support youth success.

Essential Qualities:

• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
• Understand and passionately support Orangewood Foundation’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills, adhering to the Foundation's operating principles and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Ensure a welcoming environment that supports and respects all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Approach projects, activities, and job functions with flexibility and a positive attitude, displaying the essential attitudes required for success in this role.
• Model professionalism, setting a standard for staff and program participants.
• Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and maintain organization.

Working Conditions and Requirements:

• Position may require use of personal vehicle.
• Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending and lifting up to approximately 25 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.).
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
• A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will not be considered complete until the assessment is submitted. Visit this link to learn more: https://www.plum.io/about

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.