Job Description

Since 1971, A New Leaf has been dedicated to its mission of “Helping Families…Changing Lives,” making a positive impact on the lives of over 24,000 people annually in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Guided by our core values—Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness—we strive to create meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve.

Intake Specialist
A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Our core values—Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness—guide us in creating meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve.
Salary: $23.00 hr
Schedule: M-F

The Intake Specialist provides front-line support in a low-barrier emergency shelter by coordinating intake and check-in services, assessing immediate client needs, maintaining accurate documentation, and connecting clients with appropriate shelter and community resources. This position supports daily shelter operations and promotes a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment for individuals experiencing homelessness and other complex life circumstances while ensuring compliance with agency policies, program requirements, and documentation standards.
Responsibilities:
• Complete intake and check-in procedures for incoming clients, including bedbug and contraband searches, distribution of hygiene and basic needs supplies, and completion of all required intake documentation.
• Assess immediate client needs and provide appropriate resources, referrals, and support services utilizing trauma-informed and client-centered practices.
• Maintain a low-barrier approach to service delivery within the emergency shelter program.
• Coordinate and facilitate resident orientations and intake appointments.
• Maintain the bed roster, assign resident bays, and conduct brief health screenings in accordance with communicable disease prevention practices.
• Provide client care and participate in required client care supervision in accordance with state regulations and A New Leaf policies and procedures.
• Complete all required documentation and data entry accurately and timely, including maintaining HMIS data quality standards and case management schedules as designated by the program.
• Support administrative functions, case management activities, and front-line shelter operations.
• Answer incoming calls, conduct pre-screen assessments, respond to inquiries, retrieve voicemail messages, and direct callers and visitors to the appropriate staff or department.
• Receive and assist visitors, donors, vendors, volunteers, and community members, screening and prioritizing requests while ensuring excellent customer service.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to prioritize program activities and operational needs.
• Attend and actively participate in required meetings, trainings, and special projects, including facilitating staff training as assigned.
• Assist program staff with special projects, including data collection, analysis, and summary reporting.
• Respond appropriately to client crises, conflicts, and behavioral concerns utilizing de-escalation techniques and agency procedures.
• Monitor the shelter environment and promptly report safety concerns, incidents, behavioral issues, facility maintenance needs, or emergencies in accordance with agency procedures.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming shelter environment.
• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with clients, staff, community partners, and the public while ensuring positive representation of A New Leaf.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to agency policies, ethical standards, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required
Experience:
• One (1) year of experience in client intake, administrative support, human services, social services, shelter operations, behavioral health, case management, customer service, or a related field required.
• Experience working with adults experiencing homelessness preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources and social services preferred.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, trauma, or other complex life circumstances preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
• This is an on-site position based at a shelter facility; remote or hybrid work is not available.
• Requires frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout the shelter and surrounding property.
• Must be able to climb stairs, bend, reach, and perform light lifting (up to 25 lbs.) for supplies, equipment, or operational needs.
• Exposure to a shelter environment with occasional noise, odors, communicable illnesses, and unpredictable client behaviors.
• May involve supporting shelter operations, facility walkthroughs, meal service activities, and other program-related functions.
• Requires the ability to respond appropriately to safety concerns, incidents, emergencies, and crisis situations.
• Occasional off-site travel may be required for agency meetings, trainings, or special events.
• Must maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries while interacting with clients, staff, community partners, and the public.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable law.
Compliance Requirements:
• Must Be At Least 21 Years of Age
• Class One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Central Registry Background Check
• Drug Screening
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License
• Current Auto Liability Insurance
• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Record
• Adhere to all organizational policies, including the Code of Conduct, professional standards, and relevant regulations.
Mandated Reporter Requirements:
• As a mandated reporter under Arizona statute A.R.S. § 13-3620, you are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect of a minor to your Supervisor, Manager, Director, Clinical Director, or Chief Officer, who will assist in making the appropriate report to authorities.
• Reports should be directed to either the local law enforcement agency or child protective services (1-888-SOS-CHILD). Abuse suspected of involving a family member or legal guardian should be reported to child protective services, while other cases should be reported to law enforcement.
Responsible to: Program Manager
Supervisory Responsibilities: None

We appreciate your interest in our organization. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
A New Leaf is an at-will employer. Any offer of employment with A New Leaf is contingent upon a successful consumer report, which includes verification of employment, education, criminal background search, and driving records.
A New Leaf is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and participates in the E-Verify program.
BENEFITS PACKAGE:
All of our employees enjoy the following benefits: direct deposit, competitive pay, accrued sick time, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), an annual team member appreciation event, and an informal yet professional team environment.
For full-time employees, we also provide the following as part of the total compensation plan: Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage, Accrued Sick and Vacation Time, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, 401(K), Tuition Reimbursement, and a Wellness Program. This program has received a Silver Level of excellence in worksite wellness and includes Annual Biometrics, Gym Reimbursements, Wellness Initiatives, Workers Compensation improvements, and much more.