Community Support Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role and Responsibilities

• Partner with Youth-Family Advisors to support 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 efforts 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 and the use of life skills assessment.
• 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 meetings 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 are required.
• Group facilitation experience is preferred.
• Experience in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, and/or Cognitive Behavioral practices is preferred.
• An associate’s Degree in human services, social work, or a related field is preferred.
• Background checks and clearances are required as per program contract(s).
• Flexible schedule; evening and some weekend hours required.
• Ability to multitask 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.

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