Community Support Specialist

Catholic Charities, Inc. Jackson, MS; Greenwood (MS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A family services organization in Greenwood, MS, is seeking a Community Support Specialist to provide essential support services to children and families. The role involves assessing needs, coordinating social services, and implementing interventions tailored to families. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field and have at least two years of experience working in this domain. This full-time position requires excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to supporting families in need.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience working with children and families.
• Must meet Mississippi Department of Mental Health certification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals and families in accessing necessary support services.
• Assess strengths and service needs of children/youth.
• Provide direct services in home, school, and community settings.
• Coordinate child-focused social services.
• Implement service interventions based on individualized plans.

Skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Stress management

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field

Job description

Community Support Specialist

Catholic Charities, Inc. – Jackson, MS

Job Title

Community Support Specialist

Classification

Non-Exempt

Status

Full-Time

Program

Healing Hearts Family Counseling

Location

Greenwood, MS

Reports To

Program Director

Updated

May 2023

Primary Responsibilities

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) assesses service needs and facilitates linking children and families with a range of support services—including social, educational, vocational, recreational, and other related community services—based on individualized needs. The CSS works collaboratively with families to create a supportive environment that meets basic needs through referral, education, and skill development, and implements specific interventions, adjusting them as needs change.

Essential Duties

• Assist individuals and families in accessing needed support services such as education, medical, social, vocational, recreational, therapeutic, and other social services.
• Assess the strengths and service needs of the child/youth.
• Provide direct services in the home, school, and community settings.
• Coordinate child-focused social services that build on family and community strengths.
• Implement service interventions based on the Individualized Service Plan.
• Provide transportation for families in a safe and responsible manner.
• Collaborate with therapists to monitor progress.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date community support resource manual.
• Adjust work schedule to meet the family's availability and convenience.
• Provide crisis intervention services as needed.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Assist in aftercare planning to ensure referrals, appointments, and services are accessible.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field and at least two (2) years of experience working with children and families.
• Must meet Mississippi Department of Mental Health certification requirements for Community Support Specialists.

Skills / Abilities

• Excellent time management, organizational, and stress management skills.
• Maintain confidentiality of program and agency information.
• Follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively.

Licenses / Certifications

• Required Community Support Specialist certification from the Department of Mental Health.
• Current and valid driver's license.
• Proof of adequate vehicle liability insurance.

Agency Compliance

• Follow CCI policy and procedural manuals in all job aspects.
• Attend individual supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and other required meetings.
• Enter all client activity/services daily into the agency client database.
• Maintain all required documents in a current and orderly manner.
• Submit all reports accurately and on time, adhering to confidentiality policies.
• Maintain a valid driver license and required automobile insurance.
• Represent the agency at events/functions as assigned.
• Report any suspicious situations to the person in authority.
• Work within agency mission, philosophy, and policies/procedures.
• Reflect Catholic Charities’ commitment to treating all persons with dignity and respect.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure effective agency operation.

Physical / Mental Requirements

• Read, write, and speak English.
• Manual dexterity and motor skills for documentation and other duties.
• Drive and have access to a vehicle day or night.
• Demonstrate maturity and flexibility in emotional and stressful situations.
• Be emotionally stable, alert, and able to work independently.
• Physically and emotionally capable of performing essential job functions.
• Use passive physical restraints to ensure safety of youth, staff, and self.
• Lift and bend as required for regular duties.
• Manage personal and professional stress.
• Maintain satisfactory ratings on annual performance evaluations.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Other

Industries

Individual and Family Services