Human Services Specialist II - CRIA Specialist

IMDiversity; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

IMDiversity is seeking a Human Services Specialist II - CRIA Specialist in Alexandria, VA. The role provides information and referral services connecting residents and organizations with community resources.

Ideal candidates possess strong communication, organizational and assessment skills, plus knowledge of aging, mental illness, and social issues affecting vulnerable populations. A bachelor's degree and relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or related field; three years of mental health/substance abuse experience.
• Valid driver's license issued by the state of residence.
• Masters degree and AIRS CRS-A/D certification are preferred.
• Experience with Peerplace database is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assessing and diagnosing clients' human service problems and needs.
• Identifying resources, exploring options, and assisting clients to solve problems.
• Creating and monitoring action plans for clients; follow-up as needed.
• Providing crisis intervention for walk-in clients and referrals.
• Processing applications to access programs and benefits.
• Preparing client records and running reports in Peerplace or related databases.
• Advocating for individuals and coordinating between formal and informal resources.
• May provide short-term case management or options counseling.
• Training volunteers to provide information and referral services.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Listening skills

Critical thinking

Client empowerment

Cultural sensitivity

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field

Three years experience in mental health/substance abuse services

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Human Services Specialist II - CRIA Specialist

Salary
$58,320.86 - $78,122.72 Annually

Location
Alexandria, VA

Job Type
Full-Time

Job Number
2027-00500

Department
Department of Community and Human Services

Division
CENTER FOR ADULT SERVICES

Bargaining Unit
N/A

An Overview

The CRIA Specialist position provides information on a myriad of programs and services in response to specific inquiries from residents and community-based organizations. Using an updated resource file and database, Information and Referral Specialists link individuals in need of information and/or services to appropriate resources. The Information & Referral Specialist also represents the Information and Referral team at training, community meetings, events, and other venues as needed.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate will have exceptional oral and written communication skills, as well as organizational and time management skills. Excellent listening skills and the ability to apply critical thinking to respond effectively to situations. Ability to work successfully with clients on a person-centered level and to empower them in the constructive use of their own capabilities. Knowledge of aging, health, intellectual disability, mental illness, trauma and other problems and processes that affect development. Knowledge of social problems that affect functioning such as current social, economic and health problems, including the specialized needs of older adults, poverty, drug addiction and the dynamics surrounding these issues. The ability to prioritize tasks and work with frequent interruptions. Knowledge of human services systems, community resources, and referral processes. Experience working in support of people with diverse educational, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. Ability to work with people of all backgrounds and sensitivity to the challenges of those experiencing homelessness and/or unstable housing situations with complex presentations, including chronic trauma. Ability to interact constructively and work in harmony with diverse community interests. High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work. Ability to function well in a team environment as well as independently. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

The Opportunity

• Assessing and diagnosing an individual’s human service problems and needs;
• Identifying appropriate resources, exploring options, and assisting the individual in solving as appropriate;
• Creating action plans for clients and providing follow-up and monitoring to ensure compliance;
• Providing early identification and intervention for client’s concerns;
• Providing crisis intervention for walk-in clients as necessary and redirects them to proper resources;
• Assessing client for benefit qualifications and assists with applications to access said programs;
• Preparing client records for Peerplace or related databases and runs reports as needed;
• Advocating on behalf of the individual, when necessary;
• Facilitating coordination between formal and informal resources in execution of plans;
• May provide short-term case management, care coordination and/or options counseling
• Training volunteers to provide information & referral services.
• Other duties as required.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters’ Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or other related field. AIRS (Alliance of Information & Referral Systems) certification as a Community Resource Specialist Aging/Disabilities (CRS-A/D). Fluency in Spanish, Amharic, Korean, Farsi or Dari a plus. At least one (1) year of experience with the Peerplace Database.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Verification of education/certifications; Drug screening; and Driver's license.

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM, flexing on some nights and weekends as needed

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.