Community Resource Specialist

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

Summary/Objective
This position is the Agency’s direct contact with persons seeking assistance with crisis and emergency needs. This position will greet clients, answer phones, and provide direct services to families and individuals by assisting in application completion, gathering of documents, prescreening for program eligibility, and data entry for households seeking services from CAN.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for providing intensive case management services to families, using a family-centered approach, and assists clients in obtaining goals that lead to stability and permanent housing, employment, and self-sufficiency.
• Provides structure, direction, and service linkage to connect clients to available resources in the community and overcome barriers to housing placement.
• Interview clients (in the office, at outreach locations, or partner agencies where appropriate) to gather information required to determine income and program eligibility based upon program requirements and to identify other unmet needs of the individual or family.
• Assist households in the completion of CAN’s universal application.
• Assist households in the gathering of documentation needed to determine eligibility for assistance.
• Refer the individual or family to other agencies.
• Enter data and scan documents in multiple management information systems based on the services for which the individual is making application.
• Completes monthly, quarterly, and annual Outreach reports and submits them to the Director of Outreach.
• Conduct outreach activities including distributing flyers and brochures. Speak to groups and individuals about Agency programs and services.
• Be a positive role model by maintaining the highest level of professional and ethical behavior throughout your interactions with both internal and external customers. Uses technology for the completion of specified job duties.
• Assumes other duties, responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
• Attends work regularly per assigned work schedule and in accordance with Agency policy.
• Determine financial assistance to clients based on the assigned budget per service area.
• Attends and participates with in-service training, staff meetings, and other activities to facilitate professional development.
• Works cooperatively with others including all staff, supervisors, administrators, co-workers, community professionals, clients, vendors and the public.
• Follows instructions and abides by Agency policies and procedures.
• Completes an in-depth needs assessment and develops a detailed Individual Service Plan (ISP) for each client that includes specific goals, and an action plan to obtain permanent housing and self-sufficiency, with a focus in the areas of:

1. Increasing income
2. Life skill development
3. Employment /Education
4. Physical and mental health
5. Fiscal management
6. Childcare and parenting supportive services

Secondary Functions

• Works effectively with Agency volunteers maximizing the volunteers’ experience while meeting the needs of the programs.
• May work at different Agency offices as designated.
• May provide coverage for the front desk as designated.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work in an office environment.
• Ability to communicate on the telephone.
• Ability to read, writes, comprehend, and speak English.
• Ability to complete tasks with numerous interruptions.
• Ability to work with little to no direct supervision.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to walk up and down stairs.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs.
• Ability to bend, lift and carry.
• Full awareness of environmental stimuli
• Full range of motion above the head.

Education Experience and Knowledge
• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in social or behavioral sciences preferred but not required.
• 2 years of data entry experience in a high pace environment.
• Must possess a current Maryland driver’s license and access to a vehicle for business use.
• May be required to use your own personal vehicle to fulfill your job-related responsibilities.
• Bilingual preferred.

Abilities and Skills
• Requires strong data entry and organizational skills.
• Must be detailed oriented.
• Strong computer proficiency.
• Ability to understand basic math and work with numbers.
• Must be organized, flexible and dedicated to quality service delivery.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficient in technology applications.
• Demonstrate integrity and ethical standards in job performance.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and respect for people with economic challenges.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Knowledge of governmental benefits, community programs and other resources with ability to access same for the clients.


AAP/EEO Statement
Community Assistance Network is an equal opportunity employer. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. CAN is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.