Community Support Specialist – Supervisor

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role and Responsibilities

• Provide direct oversight and regular supervision of the agency’s Community Support Specialists, including the delegation of work where appropriate.
• Maintain regular contact with the Community Support Specialist team regarding service coordination through frequent team meetings and individual supervision to discuss client needs or concerns.
• Maintain a small caseload of clients and provide Community Support Specialist services during assigned youth’s out-of-home placement and continue for the youth and family for up to one year following discharge from residential placement.
• Adhere to a flexible schedule to allow for evening/weekend hours to support client needs. Participate in rotating “On-Call” schedule to support unexpected client needs.
• Partner with DCJ 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 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 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.
• Communicate with the courts and probation, and parole and advocate during court proceedings when needed; and maintain and foster relationships with community partners.
• Serve as a program representative as needed at community meetings.
• Generate monthly, quarterly reports, and year-end reports to the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services.
• Establish and maintain a community referral network.
• Assist with policy, communications, and development as they relate to the program.
• 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 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 required.
• Staff serving in this role will have prior experience supervising a team.
• Experience in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, and/or Cognitive Behavioral practices is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in human services, social work, or a related field 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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