Community Resource Specialist

Description

Under immediate supervision of the Community Resources Manager, this position is responsible for identifying and interpreting user needs and providing specialized assistance to vulnerable populations or individuals struggling with poverty, homelessness, and/or life challenges, as well as providing outreach to the local safety net ecosystem and resource sharing to the public and staff.

This is a full-time exempt position with a starting salary of $50,382 plus excellent benefits.

Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm.

Note:

Occasional evenings & weekends.

Central Library: 14 West 10th Street, KCMO, 64105.

• Functions as a Library expert in supporting patrons in crisis and experiencing life challenges, serving as a resource for Library staff to maintain a welcoming environment for all patrons by addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
• At the social work micro level, empathetically engage with patrons, assess where they are at, makes referrals to appropriate agencies, assist patrons with applications and offer necessary resources to patrons who are unhoused or in crisis.
• Identifies gaps and barriers in the local ecosystem and works in partnership to respond to those service gaps. This includes collaborating to provide culturally responsive technology training to patrons experiencing life challenges.
• Plans, implements, evaluates, and collaborates on safety net information and programming.
• Attends community meetings, tabling events, fairs and other events relating to social services.
• Seeks out, forms, and maintains relationships with the social service community.
• Models solution-focused customer service in line with Customer Service Expectations.
• Partners with interns and branch managers in offering direct referral services for patrons at Library locations.
• Teaches staff and patrons about resources and services related to supporting patrons in crisis.
• Consults with and provides recommendations to the Collection Development Department, especially for vulnerable populations.
• Develops and maintains technology skills required to provide service.
• Other duties and special responsibilities as assigned.

• Master’s in Social Work or related field.
• 3 - 5 years' experience working in social services.
• The above two requirements can be substituted with a Bachelor's degree in related fields AND 6 - 10 years of experience working with vulnerable populations.
• A passion for working with diverse communities; strong interpersonal skills; person-centered approach, ability to adapt in a flexible environment which changes quickly and provides many opportunities for creative input and new ideas. Experience may substitute for education.
• Ability to speak and understand English is required, additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages used in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, American…