Community Support Specialist

Community Support Specialist

Catholic Charities, Inc. – Jackson, MS

Community Support Specialist

Non-Exempt

Full-Time

Healing Hearts Family Counseling

Greenwood, MS

Program Director

May 2023

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) assesses service needs and facilitates linking children and families with a range of support services—including social, educational, vocational, recreational, and other related community services—based on individualized needs. The CSS works collaboratively with families to create a supportive environment that meets basic needs through referral, education, and skill development, and implements specific interventions, adjusting them as needs change.

• Assist individuals and families in accessing needed support services such as education, medical, social, vocational, recreational, therapeutic, and other social services.
• Assess the strengths and service needs of the child/youth.
• Provide direct services in the home, school, and community settings.
• Coordinate child-focused social services that build on family and community strengths.
• Implement service interventions based on the Individualized Service Plan.
• Provide transportation for families in a safe and responsible manner.
• Collaborate with therapists to monitor progress.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date community support resource manual.
• Adjust work schedule to meet the family's availability and convenience.
• Provide crisis intervention services as needed.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Assist in aftercare planning to ensure referrals, appointments, and services are accessible.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field and at least two (2) years of experience working with children and families.
• Must meet Mississippi Department of Mental Health certification requirements for Community Support Specialists.

• Excellent time management, organizational, and stress management skills.
• Maintain confidentiality of program and agency information.
• Follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively.

• Required Community Support Specialist certification from the Department of Mental Health.
• Current and valid driver's license.
• Proof of adequate vehicle liability insurance.

• Follow CCI policy and procedural manuals in all job aspects.
• Attend individual supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and other required meetings.
• Enter all client activity/services daily into the agency client database.
• Maintain all required documents in a current and orderly manner.
• Submit all reports accurately and on time, adhering to confidentiality policies.
• Maintain a valid driver license and required automobile insurance.
• Represent the agency at events/functions as assigned.
• Report any suspicious situations to the person in authority.
• Work within agency mission, philosophy, and policies/procedures.
• Reflect Catholic Charities’ commitment to treating all persons with dignity and respect.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure effective agency operation.

• Read, write, and speak English.
• Manual dexterity and motor skills for documentation and other duties.
• Drive and have access to a vehicle day or night.
• Demonstrate maturity and flexibility in emotional and stressful situations.
• Be emotionally stable, alert, and able to work independently.
• Physically and emotionally capable of performing essential job functions.
• Use passive physical restraints to ensure safety of youth, staff, and self.
• Lift and bend as required for regular duties.
• Manage personal and professional stress.
• Maintain satisfactory ratings on annual performance evaluations.

Entry level

Full‑time

Other

Individual and Family Services