Program Specialist, Multi Services

JUNTA DE ACCION PUERTORRIQUENA INC; East Brunswick Township (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

JUNTA DE ACCION PUERTORRIQUENA INC in East Brunswick, NJ, is seeking a bilingual Specialist for the Multi Services Center on a part‑time, nonexempt basis. You will conduct resident intake, needs screenings, referrals, and service navigation to help residents access health care, benefits, and community resources.

The role emphasizes collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health and community partners, maintaining confidential records, and handling escalation when needed.

Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish required for client interactions.
• Experience in outreach, intake, referrals, or service navigation preferred.
• Understanding of public benefits and community resources is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct resident intake and needs screenings; identify barriers and connect residents with PRAB programs and health resources.
• Provide referrals and warm handoffs to partner agencies; assist with applications and follow up on outcomes.
• Manage assigned Level 2 cases and support Level 3 as directed; escalate high-risk situations.
• Maintain confidential records and collaborate with community partners; participate in meetings and trainings.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Intake & service navigation

Referral coordination

Case management

Education

Bachelor's degree in social services preferred

High school diploma or equivalent required

Job description

Job Location: Headquater 754 Rt 18 - East Brunswick, NJ 08816, Position Type: Part Time, Education Level: Not Specified, Salary Range: $19.50 - $19.50 Hourly, Reports To: Multi Services Center Manager

Department: Multi Services Center

Employment Status: Part-Time, Nonexempt, Hourly

Schedule: Approximately 27.5 hours per week, based on program and community needs.

Position Summary

PRAB’s Multi Services Center, in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, connects residents with community resources, health-related support, food access, wellness activities, and social services. The bilingual Specialist provides intake, needs screening, service navigation, referrals, outreach, follow-up, and documentation. The position manages assigned Level 2 navigation cases and supports Level3 stabilization cases under designated staff and management guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct resident intake and needs screenings; identify barriers and connect residents with appropriate PRAB programs, public benefits, health resources, and community services.
• Provide referrals and warm handoffs to partner agencies, assist with applications and appointments, and follow up on resident needs and service outcomes.
• Manage assigned Level 2 cases, support stabilization plans, participate in Level3 cases as directed, and promptly escalation complex, urgent, or high‑risk situations.
• Conduct community outreach and participate in events, workshops, food access activities, and wellness programs.
• Coordinate food access referrals and related follow‑up with MSC staff, RWJBarnabas Health, and community partners.
• Maintain accurate, timely, confidential records of resident interactions, referrals, follow‑ups, outcomes, and case closures using approved PRAB systems.
• Collaborate with the MSC Manager, PRAB staff, RWJBarnabas Health, and community partners; attend required meetings and training and communicate service gaps or barriers.
• Follow PRAB policies, confidentiality requirements, professional boundaries, and resident safety procedures. Refer clinical, legal, crisis, and specialized needs to qualified providers. Do not independently authorize financial assistance or provide services beyond assigned duties.

Resident Intake & Service Navigation

• Welcome and assist residents with accessing services through walk‑ins, referrals, outreach activities, and partner organizations.
• Conduct intake interviews, needs assessments, and screenings using approved procedures.
• Identify service needs related to housing, food access, public benefits, wellness, transportation, and other community supports.
• Provide information regarding PRAB programs and available community resources.
• Assist residents in understanding service options and next steps.
• Make referrals and warm handoffs to PRAB programs, RWJBarnabas Health, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Support residents in completing forms, applications, and documentation required to access services.

Case Management & Follow‑Up

• Maintain an assigned caseload and provide ongoing navigation and follow‑up services.
• Monitor resident progress and address barriers to service access.
• Assist with stabilization planning and implementation for assigned residents.
• Document referrals, activities, outcomes, and follow‑up efforts in accordance with program guidelines.
• Escalate complex, urgent, or high‑risk situations to the Multi Services Center Manager.
• Assist with case closures and documentation of service outcomes.

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct outreach to increase awareness of PRAB services and available community resources.
• Participate in community events, workshops, health and wellness activities, and approved outreach initiatives.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners and service providers.
• Promote engagement among underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Communicate community needs, service gaps, and emerging trends to program leadership.

Food Access Support

• Assist residents in obtaining food assistance and related support.
• Coordinate resident referrals and follow‑up related to food access services.
• Participate in food distribution and community engagement activities as assigned.
• Track and document food assistance services and outcomes.
• Identify residents requiring additional support due to ongoing food insecurity.

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately document resident interactions, referrals, services, and outcomes in approved systems.
• Maintain complete, objective, and timely case notes.
• Protect confidential information and comply with all privacy and documentation requirements.
• Support data collection, reporting, quality assurance efforts, and program compliance activities.
• Ensure records are complete and sufficient to support continuity of services.

Collaboration & Team Participation

• Work collaboratively with PRAB staff, RWJBarnabas Health, and community partners.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, case reviews, and program planning activities.
• Support service coordination and effective communication among team members.
• Assist with special projects, workshops, and program activities assigned.
• Participate in cross‑training initiatives to ensure service continuity.

Professional Conduct & Resident Safety

• Maintain professional boundaries and provide services in a respectful, culturally responsive manner.
• Follow all PRAB policies, procedures, and service protocols.
• Refer residents with medical, legal, behavioral health, crisis, or other specialized needs to appropriate professionals.
• Comply with reporting and escalation requirements related to safety concerns, emergencies, or suspected abuse or neglect.
• Refrain from making commitments regarding eligibility, financial assistance, or services that have not been authorized.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Fluency in English and Spanish required.
• Experience in community outreach, human services, public benefits, intake, referrals, or service navigation strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Middlesex County community resources is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are preferred if travel is required.

PRAB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in social services preferred but not required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working directly with women, families and children in the provision of social services.
• Experience with intakes, outreach efforts and case management.
• Experience working in a multi‑faceted and diverse environment.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Able to drive an RV (CDL not required).

PRAB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Bilingual English/Spanish required.
• Fully committed to PRAB’s vision, mission, values, and strategic goals and outcomes.
• Knowledge of Middlesex County community needs and resources.
• Knowledge of intake and outreach and developmentally‑appropriate practices.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations concerning social service benefits.
• Problem solving skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communications, and listening skills.
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications/platforms and database environments.
• Demonstrated involvement in community service or action organizations, and advocacy efforts a plus.
• Demonstrated cultural competence as it relates to community work and collaboration.
• Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Proven ability to follow standard filing procedures.
• Proven ability to influence and engage peers.
• Proven ability to work well with diverse groups.
• Ability to work with other entities, and develop partnerships and collaborations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines within time constraints.
• Ability to work effectively in inter‑departmental, inter‑disciplinary team settings.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a fast paced, highly interactive staff.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Regularly stand, sit, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Generally works in an office environment but may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office setting.

Compensation and Hours

• This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position.
• Salary is based on a pre‑established range and is commensurate with experience.
• Includes some possible early evening and weekend work hours.
• Primarily local travel during business hours, although some regional and overnight travel may occur.
• Benefits are generous, including paid employee health and dental insurance (some employee contribution required); voluntary vision and retirement plans are also available.
• Paid time off includes sick, personal days, and holidays.