Community Support Specialist

About Start Corporation

Start Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1984. Our Mission is to promote opportunities, which enhance the self-sufficiency of people to empower them to live and function independently.

We are looking for an energetic and dedicated Community Support Specialist to provide services and connections to community resources to persons with disabilities in Permanent Supportive Housing. Previous experience with persons who have experienced chronic homelessness and have dual diagnosis are preferred.

• Master Degree in social services field
• Be over 18 years of age
• Possess a valid driver's license

• Communicates respectfully and effectively and establishes professional relationships through active listening and demonstration of empathy and positive regard.
• Promotes recovery, independence, and personal choice for participants.
• Assists clients in identifying strengths, needs, and realistic goals to develop a service plan.
• Accurately identifies risk and responds appropriately.
• Effectively teaches social skills and household management skills.
• Demonstrates knowledge of behavioral health symptoms, interventions, and impact.
• Maintains professional boundaries and operates within agency / ethical guidelines.
• Knowledge of agency and community resources and referral processes.

• Maintains a caseload of clients in need of specific social services.
• Conducts themselves with a manner of professionalism that is conducive to recovery from mental illness and overall wellness.
• Provides supportive services for clients and arranges for the provision of services from community resources based on the case plan.
• Participates in setting case plan goals/objectives.
• Completes case plans with clients.
• Interviews clients, families, etc. and completes assessments and other clinical documentation.
• Completes case logs on all client services and ensures that logs are entered into the electronic data management system of the program they are employed by.
• Performs regular case maintenance activities including documenting actions, making narrative entries, preparing necessary reports and/or social summaries, etc.
• Consults with facility personnel and administrative field personnel; collects and analyzes data to identify needs for the assigned special services program within the particular service area.
• Ascertains resources outside of Start when necessary to meet client’s specific needs.
• Maintains a clear driving record in order to be able to drive company vehicles to provide transportation to clients.
• Attends weekly and/or monthly staff meetings.
• Assists Team Leader or Director with additional duties, oversight or specific functions, or serving as lead role to other Community Support Specialists.
• Provides and submits at least 25 hours (100 units) of reimbursable services per week.
• Supports and encourages landlord recruitment and retention.
• Actively seeks new landlords to provide fair and affordable housing opportunities to clients.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• disability and life insurance
• paid time off
• 13 paid holidays per year for regular full-time employees
• and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching