Organization Description:
Urban Alchemy is a nonprofit organization with the mission of transforming people and places through respect,
compassion, and love to heal communities challenged by the intersection of extreme poverty, mental illness,
addiction, and homelessness. The name Urban Alchemy references the process of spiritual and social
transformation that our staff engage in – both internally and in practice with all members of the public. Since our
founding in 2018, Urban Alchemy has grown into a thriving social enterprise with over 1,300 employees and a
budget of nearly $70 million. We provide community outreach and engagement, temporary housing for people
experiencing homelessness, mobile bathrooms and showers, and street cleaning services. Urban Alchemy
currently operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles County, and Austin, Texas. Over 95% of Urban
Alchemy employees, including leadership, experienced incarceration and/or homelessness. For more information
visit: https://urban-alchemy.us/.
Position Summary:
The CIRCLE Practitioner will respond to non-emergency 911 calls involving unhoused individuals in Hollywood,
Venice, LA Metro Area, San Fernando Valley, and other locations as the project expands to be a proactive on-the-ground
presence. The Practitioner must establish positive relationships with individuals in unhoused communities and
encampments in the target areas. These relationships are critical to leverage effective communication and de-escalation
when responding to emergency calls. The Practitioner must possess highly attenuated emotional intelligence to
accurately assess individuals they are responding to, understand and regulate their own emotions and triggers, and
quickly develop a strategy to respond to the crisis in a calm and warm manner that de-escalates the situation and
results in satisfactory resolution of the presenting issue. The Practitioner will work with a team that includes two
Practitioners and a Mental Health Counselor. The Practitioner is expected to work collaboratively with members
of their team to implement evidence-based strategies that contribute to the well-being and successful resolution
of unhoused individuals experiencing distress.
Position Duties and Responsibilities:
Position Specific:
Work collaboratively as part of a co-responder model team to address non-violent, behavioral health crisis
calls triaged by the city’s 911 system
Provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, gender-responsive, harm reduction, and person-centered
mental health and substance use crisis assessment, intervention, de-escalation, and appropriate follow up
as part of the CIRCLE team, specifically for individuals experiencing non-violent, behavioral health crisis
Engage with individuals in distress to assess the cause of their distress, determine strategies that will be
useful in decreasing distress, support individuals to resolve any identified issues, de-escalate potential or
existing conflicts and/or heightened emotions, and support individuals to connect to supportive services,
as appropriate
Work collaboratively with other team members and person in crisis to quickly assess the needs of the
person experiencing mental health crisis; and create a response plan
Show competency in use of Narcan for opioid overdose reversal
Practice self-awareness and cultural humility as member of diverse team; be conscientious and sensitive
to power and other interpersonal dynamics with other team members
Ability to engage and connect with individuals in crisis, a strong ability to remain calm and attentive
during crises, as well as to work through several separate crises during a single shift
Demonstrate a high level of resilience and self-care as part of maintaining wellness in a high crisis and first
responder position
Know and adhere to Urban Alchemy’s critical incident policies, including reporting requirements
General:
Use emotional intelligence to effectively engage and connect with others
Attend orientation and any additional training required by Urban Alchemy or our funders
Follow all Urban Alchemy’s policies as well as the procedures
Perform other duties as assigned by direct supervisor
Position Requirements:
Position Specific:
Has good communication and people management skills
Has ability to follow instructions in a manner that demonstrates that the instructions are understood
Has ability and desire to come to work on time and be in proper uniform at all times
Has ability to learn how to do timekeeping using Paycom
Enjoys being a team player
Has genuine and demonstrated interest in Urban Alchemy’s mission, values, and model
General:
Must be able to work compassionately and respectfully with people from all backgrounds
Must be prepared to deal with challenging circumstances related to serving people struggling with
poverty, mental health, addiction, and/or homelessness
Must be able to obtain and maintain background clearance based on Urban Alchemy’s policies
This position requires the ability to use a smart phone or tablet to enter data
Lived experience with incarceration and/or homelessness strongly preferred
Driver’s license and a good driving record preferred
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift and carry 5 to 25 lbs
Walking: 7+ hours
Standing: 7+ hours
Sitting: 0 hours
Must be able to and be willing to travel in vehicles with others between crises
Expected to work in all weather conditions
Statement of Non-discrimination:
Urban Alchemy shares a special bond with society’s most vulnerable because we see ourselves in their struggle.
When doing our work, we recognize the humanity in those who are struggling and treat them how we once
wished others had treated us. People who have been incarcerated, experienced homelessness and/or come from
marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply because we believe they have unique skills and
abilities to engage with people who are struggling. Urban Alchemy provides equal employment opportunities to
all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin,
disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Urban Alchemy prohibits discrimination and harassment of
any type.
