Community Support Specialist

Position Title

Community Support Specialist

Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union, Benefitted

Enhanced Care Management

Director and/or Designee

Since its founding as a teen drop‑in center in 1972, Community Solutions (CS) has grown in both depth and breadth of services in response to the growing and changing needs in the community. As one of the most comprehensive nonprofit human services agencies in Santa Clara County and the surrounding areas, CS provides prevention, intervention, treatment, and residential services to more than 6,400 clients annually, helping them overcome the challenges posed by mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, severe family dysfunction, sexual and domestic violence, and human trafficking.

Required:

• High School diploma or GED and four (4) years direct service work experience in a related field.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC).
• The individual will preferably be bilingual and bicultural.

Required:

• Empowerment, advocacy and support techniques for victims/survivors of violence, people with mental illness or substance abuse issues required.

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of wellness and recovery concepts.
• Working knowledge of community resources in Santa Clara County and surrounding areas.
• Knowledge of case management, group and individual rehabilitation counseling, and linkage‑referral.

Must be able to receive a criminal records clearance as required by specific programs, licensing regulations and Community Solutions practices. Position requires an automobile to perform routine job duties.

License:
Possess a valid California driver’s license, current car insurance and a good driving record as documented by a DMV report and consistent with the Agency’s liability insurance requirements.

• Conducts screening, intake and assessments as required. Assesses clients’ needs and goals to determine appropriate resources, including the referral to professional services without delay. Promptly implements individual and family Transformational Care Plans (TCP), maintains detailed documentation and monitors progress.
• Provides rehabilitation counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, parenting classes/education and referral services for clients using evidence‑based practices and the wellness & recovery model. Supports client developmental growth, rehabilitation and/or treatment and monitoring medication support services in collaboration with the psychiatrist.
• Completes detailed program documents in accordance with agency, program and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains all charts within Agency regulations.
• Assesses clients’ needs to determine appropriate resources, including the referral to professional services without delay. Coordinates services with other advocacy programs, the legal system, other community‑based providers, and informal supporters as needed.
• Teaches life skills, assists individuals and families with educational and support activities, accesses appropriate community services and rehabilitation counseling.
• Maintains excellent customer service skills with internal and external customers.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with appropriate community organizations and system providers, based on client and program needs.
• Employee must have the ability to operate their personal or Agency motor vehicle to participate in client visits, provide daily transportation of clients and/or other assigned Agency business.
• Responds to phone calls and emails within 24 hours on business days unless extenuating circumstance exist. Resolve outstanding issues collaboratively using strength‑based solutions focused approach.
• Attends and participates in Agency meetings and contributes to continuous quality improvement activities to enhance team and program development.
• Consistently uses strength based and solution focused problem‑solving skills.
• Successfully completes all training requirements for this position to ensure agency and contract compliance.
• Participates in on‑call and…