Community Support Specialist

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:

Did you know that research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications? Please understand that no one ever meets 100% of the capabilities. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply. This might be the right next role for you if you have:

Education and Experience:

Required:

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

Knowledge:

Required:

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

What You'll Be Doing in the role ofCommunity Support Specialist:

• 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 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 after hour’s rotation, as assigned. Flexible schedule may be required to work some evenings and weekends.
• Performs first aid as needed based on training and certification.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Community Solutions is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are a team of dedicated professionals with backgrounds as diverse as the impact we achieve. We are committed to diversity in our workforce and equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Working at Community Solutions:

Community Solutions offers a competitive and comprehensive hourly rate of $26.80 - $29.01 per hour, a generous employee benefits package, and encourages a strong work-life balance. We believe in supporting the whole person by providing:

• 100% of premiums paid by employer for full-time employees and eligible dependent children
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% employer match
• 3-weeks paid vacation to start
• 13 paid holidays; 96 sick hours per year (inclusive of self-care/mental health days)
• Longevity bonuses
• Generous family medical leave for eligible employees
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Staff learning and development and robust in-house training opportunities
• Employee-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resource Group

Physical Requirements:

Different positions may require specific physical capacities that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Work Environment and Location: This position is located within the Santa Clara County and will require travel between site locations in San Jose and Mountain View.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance as required by specific programs, licensing regulations and Community Solutions practices.
• 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.
• Requires an automobile to perform routine job duties.
• COVID-19 Vaccination: Please note that Community Solutions has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees and clients. As a condition of employment, Community Solutions employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.80 - $29.01 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27 - $29