Role and Responsibilities The duties listed below are intended as examples of the types of work that may be performed by a Community Support Specialist but are not all necessarily performed and do not include all specific functions and responsibilities that the Community Support Specialist may be expected to perform.

• Partner with Youth-Family Advisors to support the provision of reentry services for youth and their families. Serve as mentors and role models for youth and family members and support the youth's Transition Plan.
• Engage youth in pro-social and recreation activities; Facilitate connections to sports and physical activities, arts and cultural activities, and participation in community-based events.
• Maintain frequent contact through regular facility, home and school visits, accompanying youth and families on recreation activities or assisting with community-based effort such as job seeking and job interviews.
• Plan and conduct workshop sessions for youth in residential placement settings; workshop topics will include job readiness and soft-skills training, peer and family relationship supports, restorative justice topics, and other life-skills topics.
• Plan and coordinate regular group programming that includes youth and parents or identified family members, including community-building activities such as group recreational outings or game-nights.
• Provide emotional support and assist participants with navigating the challenges and successes of their reentry transition.
• Assist youth and their families with understanding and accessing services available to them.
• Assist youth with developing safe and healthy coping and life skills through mentorship.
• Assist youth with building skills to manage daily stressors, improve impulse control and increase life skills through mentorship and coaching.
• Maintain regular contact with Youth-Family Advisors regarding service coordination and attend regular team meetings to discuss client needs or concerns.
• Collaborate with YRS treatment teams and families to support individual reentry plan; attend monthly treatment meetings, aftercare planning; and transition circle meeting as needed.
• Assess and report on client progress and participation at regular intervals; Track and update client information using the agency's database program; complete case notes and maintain regular contact with YRS regarding youth progress.
• Accept and perform other work as assigned. Qualifications and Education Requirements
• Staff serving in this capacity will have lived experience with justice involvement or behavioral health challenges. Candidates should have 3-5 years removed from the Criminal Justice System.
• Significant knowledge and experience related to justice-involved people, the social forces and systems impacting them, and the resources available to them is required.
• Group facilitation experience is preferred.
• Experience in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, and/or Cognitive Behavioral practices is preferred.
• Associate's Degree in human services, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Background checks and clearances required as per program contract(s).
• Flexible schedule; evening and some weekend hours required.
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage work at different sites (in-office and off-site)
• Must have a valid Delaware Driver's License; Use of personal vehicle required.
• Basic computer skills, including but not limited to the use of Microsoft Office, as well as Zoom/Skype and other distance meeting resources.
• Ability to multitask and work both independently, with supervision, on-site and remotely.
• Embrace an understanding of justice involvement that acknowledges the impact of institutional racism and the systemic oppression of BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ people; must share the belief that people can change in positive ways.
• Must embrace teamwork, have a strong work ethic, be a self-starter with a positive attitude, with a good sense of humor.
• Strong team building, organizing, writing and other communication skills are essential.

Pay:

$50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off

Work Location:

In person