Community Support Specialist

$62,928 - $62,928/Yr

Unclassified - Portland, OR

Full-time - Entry Level

Portland, OR

About the position

The Community Support Specialist role involves providing relationship-based, client-centered services to youth and families, particularly those involved with the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare. The position focuses on case management, crisis response, and connecting families to community resources to ensure safety and stability, aiming to prevent children from entering the foster care system.

Responsibilities

• Carry a caseload of approximately 10 cases, providing family services.
• Understand the unique needs of each youth or family and develop tailored service plans.
• Create collaborative service plans in accordance with Child Welfare expectations.
• Connect youth and families to appropriate community resources as needed.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings, individual supervisions, and required trainings.
• Respond to emails and all work-related communications in a timely manner.

Requirements

• A Master's or Bachelor's Degree is preferred, or relevant lived experience.
• Skill and capacity in case management, including meeting contract and program expectations.
• Experience working with youth and families, especially those from marginalized communities.
• High integrity and ability to prioritize the needs of youth and families.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Skill set to respond to and manage crises involving youth and families.
• Competency in written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in using cellphones, email, and basic word processing.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in juvenile justice, foster care, or youth residential services.
• Prior lived, volunteer, or professional experience with youth in foster care.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan matched at 5%
• Short term/long term disability
• Life insurance policy
• 4 weeks Paid Time Off
• Mileage reimbursement ($.65/mile)