Community Support Specialist

MEXICAN AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY FOUNDATION

Job Description

Position: Community Support Specialist

Program: MAOF Community Development Department

Salary: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour

Status: Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Reports To: Community Development Director and/or designee

GENERAL SUMMARY

Community Support Specialist will provide direct services and case management services on all programs under the Community Development Department. This includes and it is not limited to financial/employment/digital coaching, free tax preparation services. The Community Support Specialist will perform duties in compliance with grant agreements and program guidelines. This is only an onsite position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties may include, but not limited to the following:

Case management

• Provide services through one-on-one, couple, or small group sessions.
• Assess, plan, facilitate, coordinate and advocate for options and services on behalf of the participant.
• Serve as a liaison between the participant and social, financial, health and legal services.
• Cultivate relationships with community-based organizations, government agencies, businesses, financial institutions as a means of developing resources to serve clients.
• Develop plans of actions, provide tools, resources, and accountability to the client to help them meet their goals.
• Review and modify plan as circumstances change for the participant.
• Plan regular follow-ups to assess progress and additional needs and engage the client in a long-term relationship.
• Complete all required forms for participant based on program and service.
• Make appropriate referrals and integrate other wrap-around supports (i.e., benefits, tax preparation, specialized employment preparation, job readiness training) into counseling to achieve greater results.
• Ensures confidentiality of all client files and information.

Financial Capability

• Work with clients to complete a detailed financial and career assessment.
• Completing Combined Financial Assessment (CFA) for financial counseling clients
• Work with the client to document a budget and provide strategies for budget improvements.
• Access the client's credit report/score and offer strategies to credit building.
• Document the client's balance sheet and provide strategies for increasing net worth such as paying off credit card debt, building an emergency fund, pay yourself first, etc.

• Assist with tax preparation services after passing an IRS certification exam (training provided); Ensure that information about asset-building and financial education resources are available.
• Assists clients with online job searches, resume building, mock interview and employment applications.

Outcome tracking?track the stories and successes of program participants

• Use case management systems to document and reflect the clients' outcomes accurately and on time.

Outreach and education

• Conduct workshop in topics relevant to the community such as budgeting, savings, banking products, credit building, identity theft, resume building, job fairs and more.
• Responsible for program recruitment through community outreach and partnerships with community contacts.

Grant reporting?provide key data, updates, and relevant information on program outcomes for MAOF reports, funder grant reports, and internal grant management check-ins.

Other supportive services

• Attend conferences, workshops and trainings; represent the organization and program director in a professional manner.
• Assist with community events, and special events, as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited institution in relevant field, preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management.
• Familiarity with delivery of services which are mindful of different cultural and language traditions, showing respect and validation for communities.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal; and excellent writing skills.
• Commitment to excellence - Performs duties consistently at the highest level possible with attention to detail.
• Skillfully and professionally represent MAOF.
• Computer skills (Microsoft office, excel, power point and word).
• Ability to work independently with minimum of supervision.
• Self-motivated and a problem solver.
• Ability to maintain cooperative, diplomatic working relationships with co-workers, Supervisors, and the public.
• Work as part of a team and collaborate with co-workers; and complete projects under tight deadlines even when there are competing requirements and changes in assignments.
• Ability to work regular schedule Monday through Friday, designated hours. However, based on program needs must have the ability to work flexible days and hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Must possess own vehicle at all times, a valid California Driver's License and appropriate automobile insurance.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to drive. May be required to travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

MAOF Sponsored Benefits:

MAOF offers a comprehensive package of benefits and perks for both part- and full-time employees, including:

• Personal Time Off (PTO) ? (Vacation/personal days or sick time).
• Paid Sick Time ? 48 hours.
• Paid Holidays per Calendar Year - 12 paid holidays.
• Bereavement Leave ? 5 paid days.
• Jury Duty ? 5 paid days.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid 100% by MAOF.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan - 5% employer match ? 100% vested.
• Basic Life and Accidental Insurance.
• Pet Insurance.
• Supplemental life insurance.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance (EAP) ? For team members and dependents; counseling, legal assistance, financial planning, identity theft, etc.
• Supplemental Cancer, Disability, and Accident plans.
• Employee referral bonus (referring employee earns $500 for each new hire who completes 90 days).
• Discounts for AT&T wireless, movie tickets, amusement parks, and much more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Credit Union Membership