Community Support Specialist

About Start Corporation

Start Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1984. Our Mission is to promote opportunities, which enhance the self-sufficiency of people to empower them to live and function independently.

Job Description

We are looking to hire a Full-time Community Support Specialist for our NOLA PSH department, apply today!

Minimum Requirements 

• Master Degree in social services field 
• Be over 18 years of age. 
• Possess a valid driver’s license 
• Personal experience of being homeless preferred

Core Competencies

• Communicates respectfully and effectively and establishes professional relationships through active listening and demonstration of empathy and positive regard. 
• Promotes recovery, independence, and personal choice for participants. 
• Assists clients in identifying strengths, needs, and realistic goals to develop a service plan. 
• Accurately identifies risk and responds appropriately. 
• Effectively teaches social skills and household management skills. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of behavioral health symptoms, interventions, and impact. 
• Maintains professional boundaries and operates within agency / ethical guidelines. 
• Knowledge of agency and community resources and referral processes.

Job Duties / Skills Required 

• Maintains a caseload of clients in need of specific social services.  Conducts themselves with a manner of professionalism that is conducive to recovery from mental illness and overall wellness. 
• Provides supportive services for clients and arranges for the provision of services from community resources based on the case plan. 
• Participates in setting case plan goals/objectives.  Completes case plans with clients. 
• Interviews clients, families, etc. and completes assessments and other clinical documentation. 
• Completes case logs on all client services and ensures that logs are entered into the electronic data management system of the program they are employed by. 
• Performs regular case maintenance activities including documenting actions, making narrative entries, preparing necessary reports and/or social summaries, etc. 
• Consults with facility personnel and administrative field personnel; collects and analyzes data to identify needs for the assigned special services program within the particular service area. 
• Ascertains resources outside of Start when necessary to meet client’s specific needs. 
• Maintains a clear driving record in order to be able to drive company vehicles to provide transportation to clients. 
• Attends weekly and/or monthly staff meetings. 
• Assists Team Leader or Director with additional duties, oversight or specific functions, or serving as lead role to other Community Support Specialists. 
• Provides and submits at least 25 hours (100 units) of reimbursable services per week. 
• Supports and encourages landlord recruitment and retention.  Actively seeks new landlords to provide fair and affordable housing opportunities to clients.

Benefits include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; disability and life insurance; paid time off; 13 paid holidays per year for regular full-time employees; and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.