Community Support Specialist (LSW)

The Cleveland Animal Protective League’s; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cleveland Animal Protective League is seeking a Community Support Specialist (LSW) to connect pet owners with resources and provide short-term counseling within a shelter and community context. You will work across departments to support Crisis Safety Net services and partner with local agencies.

You will assess needs, refer to services, and help families navigate complex social and animal welfare situations, including end-of-life decisions and humane investigations collaborations.

Qualifications

• LSW/LISW license required with social services experience.
• Experience in grief, trauma, or crisis situations preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse communities in a shelter/social service setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and referrals to clients, support Crisis Safety Net program.
• Assess eligibility, manage case load, and document activities monthly.
• Coordinate with CPC, ARC, and community partners for client resources.
• Engage with clients in person, by phone or email with empathy.
• Assist with outreach events and maintain data reporting accuracy.

Skills

Empathy in client support

Crisis counseling

Excellent communication

Public speaking

Multitasking

Interagency collaboration

Education

Licensed Social Worker (LSW/LISW)

Tools

Windows

Spreadsheet software

Reporting tools

Job description

We are always seeking dynamic individuals who believe in and will help fulfill our mission. The Cleveland APL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote a drug-free workplace through pre-employment and random post-employment testing. Thank you in advance for the courtesy of no phone calls.

Position:Community Support Specialist (LSW)

Location: 1729 Willey Ave

Cleveland, OH

Job Id:119

# of Openings:1

JOB DESCRIPTION

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Job Title: Community Support Specialist

Classification: Full time, non-exempt

Job Relationship: Reports to project CARE Manager. Works closely with the Community Pet Clinic (CPC), the Animal Resource Center (ARC), and Humane Investigations.

Position Summary: The primary function of this position is to work closely with other departments at the APL as well as social service agencies across Cuyahoga County to connect pet owners to needed resources and support. Oversees Crisis Safety Net program.

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Essential Job Functions:

Provides support, counseling, and program referrals to clients

• Oversee Crisis Safety Net program, assesses clients for program eligibility and oversees the program’s case management. Provides support and counseling to clients as needed, or by referral from doctors or staff, including those experiencing high levels of stress and emotion.
• Facilitate interactions with clients in emotionally charged situations, either in person, via email, or on the telephone in an empathetic manner.
• Provides consultation to doctors and staff regarding assessment of client’s comprehension of diagnosis and prognosis of the patient
• Meet with clients, providing short term supportive counseling during end-of-life decision making, pet euthanasia, hospitalization of pet, and resource support.
• Assist Admissions and Humane Investigations teams with open cases and surrender, providing support to pet owners through the process.
• Connects pet owners in crisis to human and pet resources, both internal and external
• Develops and expands partnerships with community organizations that provide human and pet services. (i.e. homeless shelters, free/low-cost emergency temporary boarding facilities, etc.).
• Manage data and reporting related to project activities, milestones, and success indicators. Completes and collects all required program documentation with accuracy, consistency; provides supervisors with monthly reporting and program analysis.
• Interface with animals of varying species, size, and temperament, both in carriers and on leashes. Handle individual animals in a safe, caring, and respectful manner.
• Demonstrate a value system that is in accordance with the interests of the agency and clientele served (NASW Code of Ethics).
• Coordinate and attend Project CARE and community outreach events to provide support to underserved and low-income communities in need, which may include set-up and tear-down. Some events will be outdoors and may be subject to inclement weather.
• Is flexible with scheduling and is available when away from the facility as needed to meet the needs of the organization; shifts may include varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed
• Notifies VP of Operations of situations that could be harmful to the reputation of the APL.
• Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces.
• Ensures policies and procedures are being followed
• Promotes and follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment. Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance with OSHA safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, and organization at risk.
• Promotes communication and cooperation between APL departments
• Assists with food pantries at the shelter, the Community Resource Center (CRC), and off-site locations as needed to support Project Care initiatives and support community pet owners.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years experience in social services practice or equivalent work experience.
• Valid, unencumbered LSW/LISW license.
• Experience with grief/bereavement and/or trauma
• Internal applicants must be currently in good standing
• Highly dependable, able to multi-task and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Must possess an Ohio’s driver’s license with an insurable driving record
• Fear Free Certified or must become certified within six months of hire

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people
• Ability to develop solutions based on individual needs assessments
• Ability to work with a computer in a Windows environment
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and proven ability dealing with the public
• Ability to speak in public and to the public with ease and without passing judgment
• Understands socio-economic issues that plague underserved communities
• Demonstrated ability to handle high-stress situations and use good judgment
• Ability to read and understand documents such as safety rules and procedure manuals
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively and with an adequate degree of independence
• Ability to collect and analyze data in spreadsheet format or designated software
• Committed to maintaining the Cleveland Animal Protective League’s high standard of animal care and mission to foster compassion and end animal suffering.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in and out of an animal shelter that operates seven days per week with exposure to animals, including some with questionable health and temperament concerns, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, and cleaning agents. Regularly operate a computer, telephone (both office and cellular), and other office equipment (i.e. calculator, copier, fax machine, and printer). The person in this position needs to be able to stand for long periods of time in both indoor and outdoor environments. Occasionally operates a motor vehicle. Constantly communicates with the public and with staff members and volunteers who have inquiries about their job responsibilities and animal needs and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Occasionally position self to handle animals of all sizes in a variety of areas and positions (low cages, high cages, on tables, on the floor, and in vehicles). Must be able to detect and recognize animal behavior that is potentially dangerous. Occasionally move animals weighing up to 50 pounds (i.e. on leash or using other safe restraint and animal handling equipment, into and out of shelter vehicles). Duties will include frequently moving, lifting and distributing pet food/pet products that may weigh up to 50 lbs. Must be able to modify schedule to meet the APL’s operational needs. Must adhere to APL personnel dress code.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

Our Core Values

Compassion- We are compassion in action. We believe every animal and person has value and worth and should be treated with respect, empathy, and kindness to support the human-animal bond.

Advocacy- We are a voice for animals and a community resource. We arecommitted to championing efforts that will improve their lives, keep them with the people they love, and create public policy that recognizes and promotes their value in society.

Leadership–We act withintegrity, creativity, duty to community, and have the courage to change. Theseare the driving forces that make us a leading animal welfare organization.

Innovation– We are devoted to pioneering new approaches to the evolving challenges animals face by developing ethical, humane solutions and working in partnership with the public and animal welfare community.

Community – We continually stride to be a diverse and inclusive team and believe we must all work together to best fulfill our vision.