Community Development Specialist

Kern Regional Center•Bakersfield, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Kern Regional Center is seeking a dedicated individual to identify barriers and develop strategies to reduce disparity in the purchase of services with various ethnic populations in Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties. The role also aims to increase the number of referrals to Kern Regional Center by identifying needed resources and facilitating their development. Kern Regional Center is one of 21 private, non-profit regional centers contracted by the State of California through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to coordinate community-based services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Kern Regional Center services over 10,000 individuals in Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties, covering approximately 22,000 square miles with a population of over 945,000 people.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, political science, psychology, sociology, business administration, public administration or related human services field from an accredited school, or any combination of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge of basic needs and approaches in working with individuals who have developmental disabilities.
Demonstrate excellent customer service.
Demonstrate empathy, respect and support cultural awareness.
Maintain strict adherence to all confidential laws related to client information.
Must have reliable transportation and be able to work outside of normal business hours.
Valid driver's license and DMV record.

Nice To Haves

2 years of experience in report writing or working with community-based organizations or outreach is highly preferred or any equivalent combination of relevant work and educational experience.
Bilingual in Spanish highly desired.

Responsibilities

Identify barriers and develop strategies to reduce disparity in the purchase of services with various ethnic populations in Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties.
Increase the number of referrals to Kern Regional Center.
Identify needed resources and facilitate development of identified resources.
Convey complex information and ideas to diverse groups clearly, concisely, verbally and in writing.
Communicate in front of vendors and community partners with a broad spectrum of business and professional expertise.
Interpret guidelines and standards applying them in a consistent manner.
Evaluate and develop programs.
Identify and analyze problems.
Adapt to new initiatives and project tasks as assigned.