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 necessarily performed and do not include all specific functions and responsibilities that the Community Support Specialist may be expected to perform. PLEASE NOTE: This position is community based and supports youth/families in Southern Delaware. Candidates based in Kent and Sussex County are preferred.
- 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 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 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.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $48,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
