Community Support Specialist; CSS Nelson County Addiction Response Effort

NELSON COUNTY ADDICTION RESPONSE EFFORT JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Community Support Specialist (CSS)

Structure: Reports to the NelCARE Board Chair and Executive Committee

FLSA: Exempt

LOCATION:

Nelson County

For more information, please email

The CSS provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for NelCARE’s mission to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. This role is responsible for high-level collaboration with public safety agencies, local government leadership and community partners to promote safety and well-being within Nelson County.

• Lead the determination of programs and services required to establish and sustain a Recovery Community Center, including the development of a comprehensive plan of action.
• Drive the development of a long-term sustainability plan by leveraging state and federal programs, grants and partnerships with local governments, nonprofits and industry.
• Build and maintain critical relationships with local community leaders, organizations and stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary representative for NelCARE at Heartland Trail ASAP meetings and other high-level multidisciplinary forums.
• Oversee the development and implementation of prevention and intervention strategies addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and mental health needs.
• Manage weekly collaboration with Nelson District Court and Nelson County Correctional Center to facilitate treatment placements via the Door-to-Door (D2D) program.
• Deliver monthly reports on interventions, referrals and strategic findings to the NelCARE membership and Board of Directors.
• Direct outreach efforts and community presentations to enlighten the public regarding local addiction response efforts and findings.
• Collaborate with the advisory committee to create innovative programs tailored to the specific needs of the Nelson County community.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of the organization’s digital presence, including its website.

This is a high level leadership position requiring the ability to make independent decisions and exercise significant professional judgment. The CSS works independently while maintaining accountability to the Board Chair, Executive Committee and Board of Directors. They also oversee and direct all NelCARE staff, contractors, interns and other assigned temporary staff when necessary.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology or a related field from an accredited university or college.
• Five (5) or more years of experience working with individuals diagnosed with OUD, SUD, and/or mental health issues.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care and community engagement.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to measure program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Must have a valid Kentucky driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Proficiency with use of PC hardware and basic software (i.e., Microsoft Office), email and office equipment (i.e., copier, fax, scanner, telephone, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal relationship and public relations skills including diversity sensitivity and competence.
• Strong organizational, problem solving and filing skills.
• Strong proficiency with internal databases, online data management systems and data collection methodology.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local leadership, staff, contractors, officials and the general public in a professional manner.
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate correspondence, reports, etc. from rough draft.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to efficiently multi-task on a daily basis.
• Mathematical aptitude necessary to develop budgets and monitor expenditures.
• Ability to preserve confidentiality of client and NelCARE information.

Substance Use screening

Performance of…