Community Support Specialist

SupportFinity™; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance premiums paid

403(b) retirement plan with 5% match

Paid vacation and holidays

Sick leave/time off

In-house training opportunities

Job summary

Community Solutions for Children, Families, and Individuals in San Jose seeks a Community Support Specialist. This full-time, non-exempt, union-backed role supports clients and families through screening, assessments, and resource referrals in Santa Clara County and beyond.

The ideal candidate has a HS diploma or GED with four years of direct service experience. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's degree, CADC, and bilingual capabilities.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED plus four years direct service experience.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• CADC certification preferred.
• Bilingual and bicultural preferred.
• Knowledge of empowerment, advocacy and support techniques for victims/survivors of violence, people with mental illness or substance abuse issues.

Responsibilities

• Screen, intake and assessments; develop and monitor Transformational Care Plans (TCP) for clients and families.
• Provide rehabilitation counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, parenting classes/education, and referrals.
• Complete program documents and maintain charts per regulations.
• Coordinate services with community organizations and other providers.
• Transport clients as needed; attend meetings; participate in quality improvement activities.
• On-call rotation; evenings/weekends may be required; perform first aid as needed.

Skills

Empowerment

Advocacy

Crisis intervention

Parenting classes/education

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC)

Job description

Community Solutions for Children, Families, and Individuals |

Community Solutions for Children, Families, and Individuals | Posted Mar 9

Full-time

San Jose

Negotiable

Unknown

POSITION TITLE: Community Support Specialist

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union, Benefitted

PROGRAM: Site-Based

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:

• 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:

• 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:

• Conduct screening, intake and assessments as required. Assess clients’ needs and goals to determine appropriate resources, including the referral to professional services without delay. Promptly implement individual and family Transformational Care Plans (TCP), maintain detailed documentation and monitor progress.
• Provide rehabilitation counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, parenting classes/education and referral services for clients using evidence‑based practices and the wellness & recovery model. Support client developmental growth, rehabilitation and/or treatment and monitor medication support services in collaboration with the psychiatrist.
• Complete detailed program documents in accordance with agency, program and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain all charts within Agency regulations.
• Assess clients’ needs to determine appropriate resources, including the referral to professional services without delay. Coordinate services with other advocacy programs, the legal system, other community‑based providers, and informal supporters as needed.
• Teach life skills, assist individuals and families with educational and support activities, access appropriate community services and rehabilitation counseling.
• Maintain excellent customer service skills with internal and external customers.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with appropriate community organizations and system providers, based on client and program needs.
• Operate personal or Agency motor vehicle to participate in client visits, provide daily transportation of clients and/or other assigned Agency business.
• Respond to phone calls and emails within 24 hours on business days unless extenuating circumstance exists. Resolve outstanding issues collaboratively using strength‑based solutions focused approach.
• Attend and participate in Agency meetings and contribute to continuous quality improvement activities to enhance team and program development.
• Consistently use strength‑based and solution‑focused problem‑solving skills.
• Successfully complete all training requirements for this position to ensure agency and contract compliance.
• Participate in on‑call and after‑hour rotation, as assigned. Flexible schedule may be required to work some evenings and weekends.
• Perform 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:

• 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: Community Solutions has adopted a COVID‑19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well‑being of employees and clients. As a condition of employment, 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.