Community Services Specialist (FT)

CENTRAL DELTA COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Community Services Specialist

LOCATION: CDCAA County Office

SUPERVISOR: Community Services Director

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time, Non-exempt

DESCRIPTION:

Under the supervision of the Community Services Director, the Community Services Specialist (CSS) delivers a wide array of human services and/or referrals to assist clients to attain self-sufficiency and to address the causes of poverty in local communities. The CSS counsels clients and their families, assisting them with developing life skills, meeting service plan goals, and sustaining financial stability. The CSS also conducts activities and monitors the service area to maximize client well-being and success, as well as maximize client assistance by working with community partners. The CSS acts as an agent of change within the community by assisting in organizing local communities to work as a unit on common problems and seek changes to meet the needs of the residents, as well as a role model for area residents by providing an atmosphere of acceptance, warmth, and respect.

RESPONSIBILITES/DUTIES:

• Deliver direct services and referrals in employment, education, housing, human and social services, community participation, energy assistance and budgeting, senior citizen services, homestead property taxes, applications for food stamps, health and medical services, and other areas.
• Document services and referrals in individual client case management files.
• Make home visits to elderly households and assist elderly clients in obtaining needed services such as Medicaid, food stamps, and other applicable services.
• Provide appropriate program information for children and youth.
• Provide public outreach to increase awareness within assigned service area of programs and services available to improve clients’ economic conditions, including door-to-door contacts, attending or conducting local group meetings, and distributing information to potential clients.
• Survey residents and community leaders within assigned service area to identify needs and gather data for program planning.
• Maintain contact with area employers and workforce agencies for possible job and training opportunities for clients.
• Work with community leaders to mobilize resources, promote volunteerism, and advocate on behalf of clients.
• Compile and submit data needed for reports and correspondence.
• Comply with Agency, State, and Federal policies, procedures, and guidelines regarding maintaining and updating files, and reporting for monitoring and audit purposes.
• All other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum three (3) years relevant experience in clerical, administrative, or office management.
• Minimum two (2) years relevant experience in case management or social services preferred.
• Ability to manage one’s time efficiently to meet deadlines, problem-solve and be self-sufficient while working with little supervision, but with high ethical standards.
• Perform job responsibilities with a high degree of accuracy.
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
• An advanced skill set in word processing, communications, preparation of reports, data entry and other administrative skills.
• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.
• Extremely organized and detail oriented, ability to prioritize projects, multi-task, strong problem-solving skills and good research skills.
• Proficiency in understanding protocol while communicating with clients, colleagues, partners and leaders in the community.
• Skilled and proficient in spelling, word processing, filing, punctuation and basic bookkeeping practices.
• Use of proper grammar and telephone etiquette.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• A dynamic, positive self-starter who is able to work autonomously.
• Ability to critically think and take initiative.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with the understanding of urgency in meeting impending deadlines.
• Ability to operate office machines and equipment.
• Knowledge of computer programs Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel & PowerPoint, etc.
• Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license and automobile insurance.

SPECIAL WORK CONDITIONS:

Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel in state.

Central Delta Community Action Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Pay: From $13.50 per hour

Work Location: In person