Community Support Specialist

Position Summary:

The Community Support Specialist supports the Domestic Violence Director in providing persons seeking assistance with Transitional Housing, Rapid Re-Housing, and supportive services through the HUD Domestic Violence programs and acts as the assistant to the DV Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist clients with completion of Orders of Protection during scheduled office hours Assist clients participating in DV Transitional Program with creating goals and objectives with timelines for transition to permanent housing Assist with housing search, application, and move-in readiness for RRH clients reviewing lease, reviewing tenant responsibilities, meeting with landlords and discussing payment requirements Provide Case Management services by meeting with assisted clients a minimum of once per month or more dependent upon need of the client Maintain case file on each applicant with case notes and OSNIUM data entry Enforce program guidelines to ensure a safe and secure environment Provide stabilization support Assist participants as needed to obtain documents for verification of services Maintains updated information on housing availability in cooperation with DV Director Forms relationships with housing agencies, management companies and landlords Provide participants with referrals and linkages to needed community resources Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience:

The Community Support specialist will have a minimum of a High School Diploma with 5 years' experience working with persons in poverty and/or housing assistance, Bachelor's Degree with 2 years' experience. Bachelor Degree preferred Experience working with homeless and survivors of domestic abuse Data entry experience Proficient in documentation and case files Must have a valid driver's license, driver's insurance and pass all background checks and random drug screens

Skills and Knowledge:

Demonstrates knowledge of the target population of the program. Ability to supervise clients in an assertive and pleasant manner Ability to role model appropriate personal hygiene and appearance Must be motivated to work with multi-cultural clients Ability to relate in a professional manner with and make connections with outside agencies for collaboration with OCYFS Practices excellent communication and organizational skills. Practices and models conflict resolution skills. Understands and model's cultural sensitivity to OCYFS's clients and families

Agency Requirements:

Must be able to pass initial and random drug screening and maintain annual TB card Must have a current Arkansas Driver's license and insurable under OCYFS's commercial vehicle insurance policy for those whose job requires provision of transportation. Must receive child maltreatment clearance through the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry. Must receive adult maltreatment clearance through Arkansas Protective Services-Adult Maltreatment Central Registry. Must receive Arkansas State Police criminal background clearance as mandated by Arkansas Department of Human Services, Minimum Licensing Standards for Child Welfare Agencies. Complete CPR/First aid and behavior management training when job requires working directly with clients in residence Must attend and complete all staff development trainings as required by grantors and agency Must participate in agency-wide PQI program Must maintain current licensing or certification for any position that requires such OCYFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer Ouachita Children, Youth, and Family Services is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA).