Operations Support Specialist I, Housing (Part Time) in SANTA ANA, California at Orangewood Foundation

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: Operations Support Specialist (Part Time), Housing

Position Classification: Part-Time (20-23 hours/week); Hourly; Non-Exempt, M-F: 10:00-2:30pm PST

Reports to: Transitional Housing Supervisor of Operations

Department: Program

Program Summary:

Our housing continuum spans across multiple programs targeting various Transitional Age Youth (TAY) populations, offering tailored support to meet their unique needs and experiences. Through our multi-site Housing Program, we serve young adults ages 18-25 for up to 24 months. This program provides safety and shelter while promoting the self-determination of youth experiencing homelessness - including those who are unstably or unsafely housed - by honoring their identities, lived experiences, and system involvement. Integrated within this continuum, are specialized housing programs focused on TAY marginalized groups such as single parents, survivors of trafficking, LGBTQ+, ESA owners, and Young Adult Court Program participants with SUD needs. This position would be primarily working with the teams who support our specialized housing programs, external vendors, as well as volunteer groups.

Position Summary:

The Operations Support Specialist is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the multisite Transitional Housing Programs. The position requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. The role supports the overall functioning of the housing programs by ensuring smooth operations and effective communication across the different sites.

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:

• Coordinate internal and external meetings with vendors, property managers, and program staff at each site to support with move ins and move outs, as well as ensuring all housing environments are routinely inspected and repaired
• Support the housing team by managing processes and documentation, including generating and formatting inspection reports, handling data entry, processing invoices, and managing maintenance requests.
• Collect, enter, and track program referrals to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
• Initiating the first contact with transitional housing applicants, ensuring they are aware of the differences between housing sites and programs
• Deliver trauma-informed, strengths-based guidance to help residents adapt to the home and adhere to program expectations.
• Work with the program team to develop, refine, and implement processes and procedures for program delivery.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism in all tasks.
• Collaborate with team to support youth’s access to basic needs through the purchasing/gathering and distribution of needed donated items

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements:

• Requires a High School diploma
• Bachelor’s degree preferred. 2+ years of experience in data entry and performing administrative duties, including customer service support is preferred.
• Experience in the field of Human Services, Psychology, Social Work or a related field is preferred
• Strong data entry skills and ability to manage multiple electronic databases to ensure efficient and timely documentation
• Demonstrate computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), database systems, managing reporting and communicating findings effectively.
• Demonstrate clear verbal and written communication skills, ensuring effective engagement with program staff, youth, and stakeholders.
• Exhibit interpersonal skills to build rapport and work collaboratively with colleagues, youth, and community partners.
• Ability to seek support when making decisions under pressure, particularly when supporting program staff and handling urgent administrative tasks.
• Maintain strict confidentiality to protect sensitive information and uphold professional standards.
• Accept and implement feedback constructively, continuously improving performance and service delivery.
• 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:

• Understand and passionately support Orangewood Foundation’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Able to demonstrate a high level of skill with the following qualities

1. Resourceful
2. Dependable
3. Initiative
4. Accountable
5. Solution Oriented
6. Self-directed
7. Adaptable
8. Open to feedback
9. Sound judgement
10. Calm under pressure

• 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 high standard for staff and program participants.
• Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and maintain organization.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Position will require use of personal vehicle.
• Primary work environment is multiple housing sites, including single family homes and apartments, where participants live.
• 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.