Job Details

Position             Community Services Specialist                              

Classification    PS01-04 ($19.42 – $20.31 – $21.23 – $22.48)        

Hours 40                                                                                          

Supervisor         Manager of Self-Sufficiency Programs                  

Essential Function of the Job

The Community Services Specialist is responsible for developing and maintaining a process to promote the Agency and its programs through community presentations, outreach activities and partnership building, within, and outside of, the four-county service area with a focus on alleviating the causes of poverty.  Reviews and ensures appropriate backup documentation is in place which verifies client/program eligibility.  Reviews/processes all awards through the data management system adhering to mandated timelines and individual grant rules and regulations. Oversees functionality of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and recruit volunteers for distributions, as needed.  Complete and present reports to supervisor of internal monitoring of community services and housing programs and external monitoring visits, as required by program regulations   

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in the position of this class.)

1. Reviews/verifies and processes household documentation to ensure program eligibility and compliance regarding all community services programs.
2. Develop and maintain partnerships with other human services agencies for social service/housing referrals in order to educate support staff of available resources, service provider processes, and support groups within the county.
3. Trains support staff in outreach procedures enabling the use of available resources, service providers and support groups in the community, including making referrals to other human services providers in the services area.
4. Assists in the development and implementation of the Community Assessment as needed.
5. Oversee Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) distribution site per schedule.
6. Assists with distribution and reporting requirements of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); quarterly allocations to pantries, prepares distribution reports for submission, complete required site reviews.
7. Develop, oversee and ensure accuracy of the Automated Calling System.
8. Provide outreach to low-income families that may benefit from EightCAP, Inc. Services along with making referrals to other human service providers in the county.
9. Provide group budgeting/financial education to assist in contributing to energy expenses in a timely manner.
10. Review self-sufficiency plans created by Community Resource Specialist and provide feedback to ensure low income households navigate towards community resources that maximize an outcome of self-sufficiency.
11. Prepare documentation for Housing Choice Voucher Audits as requested by Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
12. Oversee the completion and accuracy of EightCAP’s Community Resource Directory annually.
13. Recruits & enrolls volunteers to assist support staff in program delivery, as needed.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements of Work

1. Ability to relate positively with low income households and possess sensitivity regarding cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
2. Must be dependable, have good listening skills and present a neat appearance.
3. Mathematical aptitude and accuracy in completing and reviewing forms.
4. Ability to generate activity within the low-income community.
5. Ability to act and respond effectively in crisis situations.
6. Ability to develop working relationship with local area agency personnel.
7. Ability to identify community needs and community target area needs to management personnel.
8. Develop and implement policies and procedures that assist staff in understanding and adhering to the agency’s mission.
9. Access to reliable transportation and must be willing to travel as needed.
10. Ability and flexibility to work in other county offices and some nights and/or weekends.
11. A valid Michigan driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record and reliable transportation
12. Successful clearance of DHS Central Registry and Criminal History Record Check.

Required Minimum Training and Experience

1. Bachelor’s Degree or five-years of experience in Social Work, Human Services or Comprehensive Family Support; minimum of one-year experience working with low-income households.
2. Background showing concern for problems and needs of low-income community.
3. Demonstrated understanding and ability to use computer programs including word processing, e-mail, database software, internet explorer and others.