Social Support Services Specialist

Under administrative direction, coordinates and supervises all phases of designated program and project development and administration. Assists with or performs special projects as assigned. Provides training and technical assistance within and outside of the department as directed. Prepares and delivers presentations. Plans, develops, and administers projects and programs within a work unit. Reviews and evaluates program/project impact. Identifies project resources, requirements, methods, impact, and techniques. Prepares funding proposals and government reports. Monitors program contracts for compliance with terms and specifications. Conducts field site visits as necessray. Performs other job-related duties as required.A High School Diploma or G.E.D. is required. A Bachelor's Degree in Business/Public Administration or related field from an accredited four year college or university is preferred. Three years of full time paid progressively responsible management/supervisory experience in program and/or project development is required. Should be proficient in computer and software applications (Microsoft Office Suites) and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required.ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
The Social Support Services Specialist will report directly to an assigned Social Services Supervisor, work collaboratively with other city administrative and operations departments, and in accordance with city policy. They will provide client-centered trauma-informed care, and assess client need and coordinate referrals for services. Social Support Services Specialists will collaborate with NRRC and other city staff, and external partners to deliver programs that address adverse childhood experiences, and/or support identified goals of the prevention, intervention, and opportunity office. Specialists also provide crisis intervention, short-term supportive counseling and other services as deemed by their license and credentials. They conduct educational presentations participate in outreach events for community, and support all PIO and violence prevention programs. Specialist also perform data entry, maintain thorough and accurate records and statistics, and provide regular impact data and reports.

DEPARTMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor's Degree in social work, counseling or related field from an accredited four-year college or university is required. Three years of full time paid progressively responsible experience in program and/or project development is required. Should be proficient in computer and software applications (Microsoft Office Suites) possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required.

Additional  Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with NRRC staff to identify youth and adults exhibiting signs and symptoms related to trauma and/or toxic stress; and provides appropriate support;
• Provide crisis intervention, short-term supportive counseling and other services.
• Conducts screenings and assesses clients with mental/behavioral health needs and coordinates referrals for services;
• Facilitates psycho-educational support groups for individuals to learn to assess their own needs;
• Establishes linkages with external health providers to facilitate referrals;
• Supports and guides youth on personal matters (i.e., stigmatization, scapegoating, labeling, bullying, substance abuse, unhealthy relationships and behaviors);
• Conducts individual and small group counseling short-term sessions;
• Identifies and institutes Tier 1 - 3 interventions for youth exhibiting mild to serious behavioral or social-emotional problems that may develop into or constitute a chronic condition;
• Works with families to address issues related to the root causes of trauma or toxic-stress symptoms surfacing in their children;
• Engages in service coordination and collaborates with community providers including local hospitals, schools, social service agencies, etc.
• Advocates on behalf of clients for public entitlements (Including SNAP, Social Security, and Medicaid) with systems and other agencies, where necessary;
• Provides information and referrals for services such as medical/hospital-related, shelters, long¬ term counseling, public assistance and other entitlements;
• Facilitates the linkage of clients to mental health providers;
• Conducts prevention education workshops to students and to the community at large to increase awareness of pertinent issues and harm reduction /prevention strategies;
• Conducts educational presentations and trainings for NRRC staff and patrons; participate in outreach events for community groups;
• Completes and maintains appropriate paperwork; performs data entry into a computerized record keeping system and maintain thorough and accurate records;
• Participates in departmental meetings;
•  Participates in outreach/tabling events hosted by the city, NRRC's and external partners/community groups; and
• Performs all duties as assigned.

Under administrative direction, coordinates and supervises all phases of designated program and project development and administration. Assists with or performs special projects as assigned. Provides training and technical assistance within and outside of the department as directed. Prepares and delivers presentations. Plans, develops, and administers projects and programs within a work unit. Reviews and evaluates program/project impact. Identifies project resources, requirements, methods, impact, and techniques. Prepares funding proposals and government reports. Monitors program contracts for compliance with terms and specifications. Conducts field site visits as necessary. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Required skills:
• Able to navigate medical, legal and social service systems;
• Possesses strong interpersonal and crisis management skills;
• Maintains excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills;
• Skilled with Microsoft Office;
• Demonstrates awareness of cultural differences and individual needs
• Demonstrates understanding of trauma informed care

Preferred Qualifications:

• LSW, LISW, LPC, or LPCC preferred. Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling or related field is required. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Sophisticated knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed care approach and principles.
• Knowledgeable about evidence-based interventions, common factors and emerging trends for effective treatment of trauma and toxic stress.
• Comfort and ability working with a wide range of people in diverse environments.

Salary : $50,003 - $60,008