Community Specialist, Social Work

This is a unionized position represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). Starting wage is $30.49 an hour.

The Community Specialist (CS) supports Plymouth residents by working in a team environment, maintaining high quality service delivery based on the values inherent in Plymouth’s mission, the principles of cultural proficiency, the tenets of harm reduction and trauma‑informed care, and the “housing first” philosophy. The CS educates new residents to understand how the building functions and building expectations, and also serves as part of an onsite permanent supportive housing team (PSH) that is committed to supporting the well‑being of residents.

This includes staff presence in buildings, creating strong positive connections among tenants and staff to foster a sense of community, safety and home. Specific tasks related to this position (but are not limited to) include collaboration with tenants, building staff and partners to offer regular culturally relevant activities in and outside the building that meet a wide range of tenant needs and interests.

This position is generally assigned to an individual Plymouth building but may be reassigned on a short or long‑term basis, based on business/service needs.

This position works a 40‑hour work week and at times requires working weekday evenings, one weekend day, and the willingness to work select holiday mornings.

• In partnership with tenants, building team and behavioral health partners, identifies community building activities that are of interest to the residents – social activities, health, life skills, educational opportunities, treatment, peer groups, field trips, etc. Responsible for activities calendar, including planning and executing events; actively outreaches residents to participate.
• Welcomes all new residents to a safe and inclusive environment and supports the orientation and onboarding program to acclimate residents to their new home, understand building expectations, and form relationships with staff and residents.
• Identifies and secures materials and supplies needed for events; maintains supply of “welcome baskets” for new tenants.
• Arrange for and/or distribute food to tenants during events.
• Creates respectful and trusting relationships with tenants.
• Transports groups of tenants to external activities using company vehicles.
• Creates schedules for community bus service or transportation, including local shopping or destination trips.
• Mediates conflict using de‑escalation and other techniques; intervenes in crisis to respond to emergencies as necessary.
• Assists with residents’ complaints and concerns, escalating them to the Residential Services Manager as needed.
• Distributes newsletters, brochures, and other relevant materials to residents, ensuring that communication accommodates language differences, cultural differences, visual impairments, and other necessary accommodations as requested by residents.

• Plan and execute events and meetings as needed; identify resources, recruit and manage support needed to facilitate community events (coordinate with building staff, partners, volunteers, etc.).
• Provides support, guidance, and oversight during communicated events for all volunteers and interns.
• Helps manage the milieu to promote safety and community by maintaining a proactive presence during non‑event hours.
• Proactively seeks tenant input and feedback and encourages tenant leadership.
• Participates and attends staff/supervisory and team meetings.
• Participates in Plymouth committees and work groups as appropriate.
• Practices a cooperative work approach and promotes teamwork among co‑workers.
• Works collaboratively across Plymouth departments to uphold organization mission, vision and core values.
• Responds to emergencies, initiating emergency maintenance actions.
• Serves and provides additional support to building team as needed.

• Coordinates with internal departments of calendared activities, scheduling meetings, and collecting client information.
• Ensures significant events involving residents and…