Support Specialist (Participant)

Job Hours:

Tuesday - Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm and Friday 12:30pm-2pm

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Support Specialist to join our team and enhance the experience of our program participants. The Support Specialist builds trusting relationships with participants, provides support, and assists participants with connecting to local resources. They support DFC participants in locating and enrolling in long-term rehabilitative and/or crisis management programs. Support Specialists collaborate with Journey Mental Health to develop and/or update crisis management plans for participants meeting the criteria of being in crisis. They also work within the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) program assisting participants with reaching their individual skills development goals in a manner designed to support the participant in achieving the highest level of independent functioning. Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Provide direct assistance and support to participants.
• Assess housing & service needs.
• Complete/update assessments as needed.
• Manage client records and reporting
• Work with participants to optimize their autonomy and independence by having them lead, control, and exercise choice over their life goals, and the services and supports that assist their recovery and resilience.
• Ensure each participant is being empowered and supported Duties (including but not limited to):
• Arrange, coordinate, & monitor delivery of individualized services to meet the needs of participants.
• Assist with connection to emergency medical care, mental health services, substance use treatment services, and transportation as needed.
• Conduct an assessment for each participant using trauma informed care, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction principles.
• Make regular contact with participants to continually assess their needs for resources and connection to services.
• Build positive collaborations with local social services agencies
• Build rapport with participants using a strength based, trauma informed, recovery oriented, and culturally sensitive approach.
• Effectively document services provided
• Coordinate and facilitate mental health and/or AODA services with medical facilities, social service agencies, and other professional agencies.
• Attend supervision, case management meetings, and other meetings as requested.
• Participate in continuing educational opportunities, which promote personal and professional growth. Qualifications (including but not limited to):
• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related social services field required
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance use preferred.
• Experience maintaining extensive client file documentation preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office software applications.
• Must have a valid driver's license, vehicle, and current personal auto insurance coverage and maintain all as a condition of employment
• Pass Criminal and Caregiver Background Checks per DHS 12
• Preferred strong connection and knowledge of: o shelter operators/resources o housing resources o behavioral health and physical health services
• Ability to work in diverse settings and provide culturally competent services.
• Excellent creative problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide trauma informed services and utilize motivational interviewing and harm reduction principles.
• Ability to work and communicate frankly, respectfully, and effectively with adults, families, and all team participants.
• Ability to work independently and balance time with participants versus the documentation requirements of the program.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Bi-lingual - Spanish/English a plus

Pay:

From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) Paid time off

Work Location:

In person