Community Support Specialist

Overview

Make a meaningful impact every day with an agency dedicated to improving our community and fostering a positive, employee- and client-focused work culture.

• Enjoy competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including 90-100% employer-paid medical insurance, generous sick leave, holiday pay, and a complimentary subscription to the Calm meditation/sleep app.
• Benefit from ongoing professional development with continuous employee education and paid clinical supervision.
• Take advantage of our National Health Service Corps approved site status, which offers licensed MFTs and LCSWs the opportunity to receive $50K to $100K in loan repayment with a two- to three-year service commitment. Find more information here.
• We prioritize flexibility, offering adaptable hours and work schedules to fit your needs.

We look forward to you joining our team at FSA of Santa Barbara County!

The Family Support Services (FSS) team has an exciting new opportunity for a Community Support Specialist dedicated to providing essential support to individuals experiencing homelessness. In this role, the Community Support Specialist will work collaboratively with library patrons, connecting them with both public and private agencies to overcome barriers to obtaining safe housing and achieving self-sufficiency. Utilizing the Protective Factors Framework, the Specialist will deliver comprehensive services designed to support the overall well-being of patrons.

This includes not only advocating for their needs and managing their cases but also linking them to vital community resources and support services. The Specialist will be responsible for identifying and addressing risks, promoting individual and family strengths, and equipping patrons with practical skills and knowledge to manage stress, enhance resiliency, and secure stable housing. In addition to direct support, the role involves developing and implementing educational programs to empower clients and improve their capacity for self-reliance.

FSA is committed to being a trauma-informed and resilience-focused organization. We actively support our staff in maintaining a healthy balance between personal well-being and professional care, recognizing the impact of trauma work on staff.

• Participate in social action community groups and engage in community coalitions.
• Utilize assessment skills and screening tools to triage families and determine appropriate services.
• Exhibit a working knowledge of community resources and provide appropriate referrals to support access to housing, social, educational, and health services.
• Serve as a liaison between the library patrons, community resource centers to support social emotional well - being, as well as provide crisis triage services.
• Participate in program events during traditional and non-traditional business hours to conduct outreach, build relationships, and enhance service access.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation and case files through the agency's database.