Family Support Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Derby, CT 06418Salary Range: $22.48 - $23.18 Hourly

DEPT:  Support Services                                               LOCATION:  Derby

STATUS:  F/T, P/T, Temporary, Non-Exempt                           GRADE:  N/A

UNION:  Yes

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:  

Family Support Coordinator

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: N/A

BASIC PURPOSE:  

To provide targeted case management and outreach services to individuals adversely impacted by changes to SNAP and Medicaid, helping them maintain or regain benefits, meet program requirements, and achieve stability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.  Complete a universal intake and pre-assessment for clients to determine status of SNAP and/or Medicaid benefits, and need for supports (i.e., WIC, Non-Cash Benefits, etc.).

2.  Provide case management to vulnerable individuals with a focus on community outreach, benefit navigation, and short-term support services, helping clients access resources and stabilize basic needs.         

3.  Assist vulnerable clients in developing a service plan that addresses gaps as impacted by the loss of SNAP and/or Medicaid,, including, but not limited to access to employment, income opportunities, volunteer opportunities, benefits, housing, basic needs, budgeting, etc.

4.  Assist clients with applications for public assistance programs (i.e., SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, Medicare, Husky, etc.).

5.  Represent the Agency in the community to engage providers and partners in efforts to bridge service gaps.

4.  Make appropriate internal referrals for Agency programs (i.e., Energy Assistance) and/or case management as well as external referrals as needed.

5.  Conduct outreach to access vulnerable clients in the community (i.e., food pantries, churches, community centers, etc.).  This may include visiting homebound clients for intake.

6.  Develop relationships with community providers for purposes of facilitating cross-referrals and conducting/improving outreach opportunities, with a focus on providing SNAP &/or Medicaid eligibility requirements.

7.  Develop and coordinate service plans for clients.

8.  Conduct regular follow-up with clients to track progress and outcomes on service plans including benefits and health services received.

9.  Maintain accurate records through documentation and data entry into central database in order to provide information for client tracking and outcome reporting.

10.  Prepare reports as needed.

11.  Handle telephone and walk-in inquiries regarding internal or external services.

12.   Participate actively in appropriate local and state-wide meetings as well as internal staff and program meetings

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform other related duties as required.
Attend appropriate community service meetings outside the agency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment, frequent work on computer.  Frequent travel within the community.QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:  Associate degree in Human Services or related field, Community Health Worker Certification a plus.

EXPERIENCE:  1+ working with clients in a health or social services setting.

SPECIAL SKILLS:  Strong knowledge of both TEAM and area services, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, must be dependable and have ability to juggle multiple tasks, must be computer literate, ability to work with diverse and vulnerable populations.  Ability to work evenings and weekends.  Reliable transportation and ability to travel in the community.  Bilingual a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Be able to drive including getting into and out of vehicle frequently and sitting for brief periods of time, ability to climb stairs, bend and lift.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Ability to function within guidelines of Agency’s core values and identification with Agency mission.