Community Support Specialist

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for providing financial, food and/or case management support for program participants seeking assistance. This includes working in collaboration with the program participants, staff and program volunteers to develop and follow up on action plans for the program participants. The Community Support Specialist will employ a holistic approach to case management to increase the program participants’ physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and financial stability.

This position reports to the Housing Stabilization Program Manager or the Community Support Program Manager.

Essential Functions:

Screen, interview and award financial and food assistance to program participants.

Systematically follow up with program participants to monitor their progress, and provide further resources and encouragement.

Make referrals to Dorcas and partner programs for career advancement, housing resources, training and wellness.

Advocate on behalf of the program participants with partner programs, landlords and creditors.

Keep detailed records of program participant progress, referrals, services provided and other pertinent information.

Maintain an up-to-date resource list to use for program participant referrals.

Develop partnerships with area agencies to avoid duplication of services.

Work closely with Community Services staff and volunteers to ensure that program participants receive adequate communication about upcoming events, eligibility notification, and registration for programs.

Report to the Housing Stabilization Program Manager or the Community Support Program Manager in a timely manner on relevant program participant information, such as participation rates, program participant needs and outcomes.

Perform additional duties for special projects as assigned.

Education & Experience Degree in human services, social services or experience in case management preferred.

Skills Required Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse environment.

Ability to manage time well and work under stressful conditions with an even temperament.

Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with staff, volunteers, donors and the public.

Strong critical listening and thinking skills.

Ability to build trust and excellent working relationships with colleagues and volunteers.

Ability to effectively handle difficult interpersonal situations, including tactfully handling angry and upset individuals.

Demonstrated capacity to work well both autonomously and as part of a team.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and handle sensitive information.

Must have strong computer skills and be proficient in using Microsoft programs, spreadsheets, word processing, and video conferencing tools.

Must possess excellent written and oral skills.

Spanish language competency preferred.

Tasks, duties, and responsibilities, as listed in this position description, are not exhaustive. The Organization, at its sole discretion and with no prior notice, may assign other tasks, duties, and job responsibilities. Equivalent experience, skills and/or education will also be considered, so qualifications of incumbents may differ from those listed in the Position Description. The Organization, at its sole discretion, will determine what constitutes as equivalent to the qualifications described above.

Further, nothing contained herein should be construed to create an employment contract. Occasionally, required skills/experiences for jobs are expressed in brief terms.
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