Program Specialist, Multi Services

Junta-De-Accion-Puertorriquena-Inc; East Brunswick Township (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Junta-De-Accion-Puertorriquena-Inc (PRAB) partners with RWJBarnabas Health to connect residents with resources, health support, food access, and social services. The bilingual Specialist conducts intake, needs screening, referrals, and follow-up while managing Level 2 navigation and supporting Level 3 stabilization.

The role emphasizes outreach, documentation, and collaboration with diverse community partners, maintaining confidentiality and following program guidelines.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Spanish required.
• Experience in outreach, referrals, case management, or service navigation preferred.
• Knowledge of Middlesex County community resources is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform resident intake and needs assessments; screen for barriers and connect to PRAB programs and community services.
• Provide referrals and warm handoffs to partner agencies and help with applications and appointments.
• Manage assigned Level 2 cases and support Level 3 cases as directed; escalate high-risk situations.
• Conduct community outreach and participate in events, workshops, and wellness activities.
• Coordinate food access referrals and follow-up with MSC staff and partners.
• Maintain confidential records of interactions, referrals, and outcomes.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Documentation and records management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in social services

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database systems

Job description

Reports To: Multi Services Center ManagerDepartment: Multi Services CenterEmployment Status: Part-Time, Nonexempt, HourlySchedule: Approximately 27.5 hours per week, based on program and community needs.Position SummaryPRAB’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 Level 3 stabilization cases under designated staff and management guidance.Key ResponsibilitiesConduct 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 Level 3 cases as directed, and promptly escalate 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.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesResident Intake & Service NavigationWelcome 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-UpMaintain 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 & EngagementConduct 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 SupportAssist 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 & ComplianceAccurately 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 ParticipationWork 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 SafetyMaintain 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.QualificationsHigh 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 EMPLOYERQUALIFICATIONSBachelor’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 vehicleAble to drive an RV (CDL not required)KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESBilingual English/Spanish requiredFully committed to PRAB’s vision, mission, values, and strategic goals and outcomesKnowledge of Middlesex County community needs and resourcesKnowledge of intake and outreach and developmentally-appropriate practicesKnowledge of local, state, and federal regulations concerning social service benefitsProblem solving skills and ability to work as part of a teamExcellent oral and written communications, and listening skillsComputer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications/platforms and database environmentsDemonstrated involvement in community service or action organizations, and advocacy efforts a plusDemonstrated cultural competence as it relates to community work and collaborationDemonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgmentProven ability to follow standard filing proceduresProven ability to influence and engage peersProven ability to work well with diverse groupsAbility to work with other entities, and develop partnerships and collaborationsAbility to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressureAbility to meet strict deadlines within time constraintsAbility to work effectively in inter-departmental, inter-disciplinary team settingsAbility to work collaboratively with a fast paced, highly interactive staffPhysical Demands and Working EnvironmentRegularly 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 smellFrequently lift and/or move up to 25 poundsGenerally works in an office environment but may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office settingCompensation and HoursThis is a full-time, exempt, salaried positionSalary is based on a pre-established range and is commensurate with experienceIncludes some possible early evening and weekend work hoursPrimarily local travel during business hours, although some regional and overnight travel may occurBenefits are generous, including paid employee health and dental insurance (some employee contribution required); voluntary vision and retirement plans are also availablePaid time off includes sick, personal days, and holidaysPRAB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER