Community Support Specialist

Community Solutions for Children, Families and Individuals; Gilroy (CA); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance for employee

403(b) with 5% match

3 weeks paid vacation

13 paid holidays

96 sick hours/year

Longevity bonuses

Family medical leave

Student loan forgiveness

Training opportunities

DEI resource group

Job summary

Community Solutions is seeking a Community Support Specialist in California to assist clients and families within the Bridge to Care Implementation program. You will conduct screenings, create TCPs, and coordinate with other service providers to ensure timely referrals and comprehensive care.

The ideal candidate has a High School diploma or GED with four years of direct service experience; a Bachelor's degree and CADC are preferred, with bilingual/bicultural abilities a plus.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conducts screening, intake and assessments and determines appropriate resources.
• Provides rehabilitation counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, parenting classes/education and referrals.
• Completes detailed program documents in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains charts within agency regulations.
• Develops collaborative relationships with community organizations and providers.
• Teaches life skills and supports clients with educational and support activities.

Skills

Advocacy & support

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree

CADC certification

Job description

Community Solutions strives to be the employer of choice for professionals in our fields of expertise. We are a well-established and growing non-profit agency serving children, families and individuals in Santa Clara and San Benito Counties. Our agency is well-recognized within the community and professional fields for subject matter expertise and collaboration within the community.

We are currently looking for individuals who share our mission, values and service philosophies and who want to make a difference in the lives of children, families and individuals in our local communities. Our offices are located in San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Hollister. We offer a competitive compensation package and an extensive benefits package including employer paid health, dental and vision care, life and long-term disability insurance, a matching 403(b) program, and a generous vacation plan. Please note: temporary positions and interns are not eligible for benefits.

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.

• 100% of HMO Healthcare premiums paid by Community Solutions for full-time employees and their eligible dependent children.
• 3 weeks of vacation during first year of employment
• 13 paid holidays (includes 2 floating holidays)
• 96 hours of sick time per year – 8 hours per month
• 5% matching on 403(b) after 1 year of employment

POSITION TITLE: Community Support Specialist

PROGRAM: Bridge to Care Implementation

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:

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.

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 re‑habilitation 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.

What You’ll Be Doing in the role of Community 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 $28.78per 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 commutable distance to our Gilroy headquarters or San Jose office and is open to a hybrid work schedule, with occasional needs to be able to travel into our offices and work in the evenings or weekends.

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.

Note: This job description outlines primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but is not intended to be a comprehensive description of job responsibilities. We expect each employee to offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work directly as an employee for any employer in the United States without visa sponsorship.

“Thanks to the program, I left the ugly house I was living in that had two small windows for the 8 of us, dirt floors, broken windows, no door, and the toilet always clogging. Now my children and I have a nice apartment where we have more space, privacy, and carpet where we can be barefoot.”

“Thanks to the program, I left the ugly house I was living in that had two small windows for the 8 of us, dirt floors, broken windows, no door, and the toilet always clogging. Now my children and I have a nice apartment where we have more space, privacy, and carpet where we can be barefoot.”

Teresa, age 38, Solutions to Violence Supportive Housing Program

“At Community Solutions I met some wonderful women who helped me with my fears and helped me understand that I did not deserve to be abused by anyone.”

“At Community Solutions I met some wonderful women who helped me with my fears and helped me understand that I did not deserve to be abused by anyone.”

Luz, age 50, Solutions to Violence

“[Community Solutions] helped me with some issues and were there when I was having hard times. They have helped my family with a place to live and helped us pay some bills and buy some food when we needed it.”

“[Community Solutions] helped me with some issues and were there when I was having hard times. They have helped my family with a place to live and helped us pay some bills and buy some food when we needed it.”

Serena, age 15, Child & Youth Behavioral Health

I cannot describe very well but all I know is that each day is getting better. Your program helps.

I cannot describe very well but all I know is that each day is getting better. Your program helps.

Jin, age 62, Adult Behavioral Health

“Thanks to the program, I left the ugly house I was living in that had two small windows for the 8 of us, dirt floors, broken windows, no door, and the toilet always clogging. Now my children and I have a nice apartment where we have more space, privacy, and carpet where we can be barefoot.”

“Thanks to the program, I left the ugly house I was living in that had two small windows for the 8 of us, dirt floors, broken windows, no door, and the toilet always clogging. Now my children and I have a nice apartment where we have more space, privacy, and carpet where we can be barefoot.”

Teresa, age 38, Solutions to Violence Supportive Housing Program

“At Community Solutions I met some wonderful women who helped me with my fears and helped me understand that I did not deserve to be abused by anyone.”

“At Community Solutions I met some wonderful women who helped me with my fears and helped me understand that I did not deserve to be abused by anyone.”

Luz, age 50, Solutions to Violence

“[Community Solutions] helped me with some issues and were there when I was having hard times. They have helped my family with a place to live and helped us pay some bills and buy some food when we needed it.”

“[Community Solutions] helped me with some issues and were there when I was having hard times. They have helped my family with a place to live and helped us pay some bills and buy some food when we needed it.”

Serena, age 15, Child & Youth Behavioral Health

I cannot describe very well but all I know is that each day is getting better. Your program helps.

I cannot describe very well but all I know is that each day is getting better. Your program helps.

Jin, age 62, Adult Behavioral Health

“Thanks to the program, I left the ugly house I was living in that had two small windows for the 8 of us, dirt floors, broken windows, no door, and the toilet always clogging. Now my children and I have a nice apartment where we have more space, privacy, and carpet where we can be barefoot.”

“Thanks to the program, I left the ugly house I was living in that had two small windows for the 8 of us, dirt floors, broken windows, no door, and the toilet always clogging. Now my children and I have a nice apartment where we have more space, privacy, and carpet where we can be barefoot.”

Teresa, age 38, Solutions to Violence Supportive Housing Program