Community Support Specialist (Bilingual/Spanish), CBHC CALM

$60,000 - $60,000/Yr

Eliot Community Human Services - Lynn, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Lynn, MA

Social Assistance

About the position

The Community Support Specialist position is part of the Lynn Calm Team (LCT), a new unarmed crisis response program aimed at addressing non-violent behavioral health and homelessness issues in a compassionate and culturally relevant manner. This full-time role involves providing crisis response services primarily in the field, with a focus on building supportive relationships with vulnerable community members, particularly those facing mental health challenges, homelessness, and substance use disorders. The position requires a commitment to racial equity and community trust-building, as well as effective communication and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond in person or by phone to requests for assistance with individuals experiencing mental and behavioral health issues, homelessness, addiction, and minor disputes.
• Connect community members in need with available services based on individual choice and clinical assessment.
• Facilitate warm handoffs to other services as needed.
• Work collaboratively with other responders and community service providers to mediate and de-escalate conflict situations.
• Build community trust and confidence in the LCT among BIPOC, low-income, and marginalized populations.
• Establish and foster trusting relationships with clients and families, supporting them in accessing the behavioral health system.
• Provide overviews of programs and care coordination available.
• Provide follow-up support to individuals who experienced crises to assess further support needs.
• Empower individuals to access services and connect to opportunities, providing advocacy and education during response and service delivery.
• Demonstrate and model cultural awareness and sensitivity at all times.

Requirements

• Experience working with vulnerable communities in Lynn or similar environments.
• Lived experience with issues facing vulnerable communities in Lynn.
• Skills in establishing supportive relationships with individuals facing mental health issues, homelessness, and substance use disorders.
• Strong conflict resolution, de-escalation, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of community resources in Lynn and surrounding areas.
• Reliable transportation for work and community service provision.
• Proficient in English and fluent in Spanish, with effective verbal and written communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology or a related field.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employment
• Affirmative Action Employer
• Encouragement for diverse applicants to apply