Community Support Specialist

Overview

POSITION TITLE: Community Support Specialist

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union, Benefitted

PROGRAM: Housing First Continuum

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Director and/or Designee

SUMMARY: 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.

Under general supervision of the Program Manager and/or designee, the Community Support Specialist is responsible for assisting clients and their families by providing services, as required by contracts. Services are provided throughout Santa Clara County and San Benito County.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess the Following Qualifications and Knowledge: Education and Experience:

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.

Knowledge:

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.

Special Requirements: 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.

The following are examples of essential job duties for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned to support the program and Agency.

• 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 monitor's progress.
• Provides rehabilitation counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, parenting classes/education and referral services for clients using evidenced 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…