Community Resource Specialist - 32209

Job Details
Job Location
Emmett Reed Community Center - Jacksonville, FL
Position Type
Full Time
Education Level
4 Year Degree
Job Category
Nonprofit - Social Services
Description
Department/Program: Program Services/Family Preservation
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Summary:
This position serves as a role to connect families with Community Resources to help maintain and preserve families. This position will be responsible for assessing Special Conditions reports -Parents in Need of Assistance (PNA). These reports are generated from the Florida Child Abuse hotline. The position assesses, connects, and assists families in need. The Community Resource Specialist (CRS) will primarily serve families in the 32209-zip code that have been identified by DCF as needing family preservation services. This position will staff cases with Child Protection Investigators (CPIs) and assist with the completion of community referrals as well as additional duties. This position will be located in 32209 at Center of Hope.

• Connect families with resources needed and identify new and existing neighborhood resources. Asses and complete PNA requests.
• Organize and track numerous cases on spreadsheets and databases and complete follow-up as the Family Preservation program requires.
• Prepare financial requests to assist families in need.
• Assist colleagues with resources and coordinate services with DCF and other community agencies.
• Participate in meetings, if needed, to provide families with all necessary resources.
• Provide emergency assistance which includes delivering or purchasing items to families such as food, beds, and clothing and assisting with emergency housing; hotel, and housing payments.
• Attend Community Resource meetings.
• Provide families assistance with accessing Hope Florida or ACCESS services
• Perform other duties.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology or Human Services from an accredited college or university is required. Masters degree in a Human Services field or area of study from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of experience.
Experience: At least three years of experience working with at-risk children and/or families and familiarity with area resources. Child welfare knowledge and experience are preferred. Familiarity with 32209 is preferred.
Minimum Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Ability to:

• Refer families to Community Resources in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with families and DCF employees and other community agencies as needed.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely and plan and execute work effectively.
• Engage local organizations and agencies in the child welfare system.
• Maintain accurate and timely records to ensure accountability of services.
• Work efficiently using time management skills to deal with highly fluctuating job responsibilities and emergency situations.
• Communicate effectively with management, staff, and clients.
• Be organized and detail-oriented.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Provide crisis intervention linkages and referrals through consultation to ensure family support and stabilization.
• Manage conflicts and deal appropriately in difficult situations with clients, service providers, community partners, supervisors, and/or peers.

Knowledge of:

• Florida Statutes pertaining to Child Welfare.
• Commitment to using a strength-based, child-centered, family-focused practice with the ability to identify strengths and needs
• Social Worker principles, techniques, and practices and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.
• New and existing social service providers in Duval County and surrounding areas.
• Best practices as it relates to child welfare and family preservation.
• Ability to perceive and communicate with sensitivity to the service populations cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs including email, Microsoft, and in-office information systems.

Other Requirements:

• Clear a Level II background screening.
• Clear a reference check (professional and personal)
• Clear a local background check from the county in which you reside.
• Clear a substance abuse screen.
• Provide a copy of all degrees prior to your first day of employment.
• Clear a Motor Vehicles Records check and must be insurable under the companys automobile policy.
• Provide copy of automobile insurance.
• Provide copy of drivers license
• Provide proof of, and maintain a minimum personal auto liability insurance level $100,000/$300,000 if deemed to be a driving risk.
• Provide a copy of all certifications and degrees prior to your first day of employment.
• Clear an E-Verify check to substantiate that the successful candidate meets the Department of Homeland Security authorization requirements to work in the United States (for more information visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify).

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration: Valid drivers license.