Community Response Specialist

Felton Institute•Antioch, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services that transform lives. Our organization offers 60+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our programs combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve. Felton offers a dynamic, challenging, and supportive work environment where we encourage the use of professional development, that staff can utilize throughout their career. Under the direct supervision of the AQCRT Program Director, Community Response Specialists, CRS will respond to a broad range of low-level calls and situations without police or EMS personnel 24 hours per day, 7 days per week citywide. CRS will provide on-site crisis assessments, de-escalation, and conflict mediation. Community Response Specialist, CSR support linkages that can address resident’s goals, including engaging in mental health, substance use treatment and employment via facilitating the linkage to a AQCRT case manager/network developer and/or another provider. The Community Response Specialist will act as a liaison with community partners and other social service agencies in addressing residents’ needs while also conducting community outreach and may provide transport to necessary service locations so that engaged Antioch resident can begin a relationship with a provider immediately. The position requires strong interpersonal skills to make connections and build relationships with community residents in need.

Requirements

High school graduate (or GED), Associates Degree preferred
Minimum of one year of experience working with transition-age youth and/or adults who are experiencing substance use disorders, mental illness, homelessness, or related challenges
Interest in engaging and connecting with a diverse, high-need community of adults and young adults
Desire and ability to work from a strength-based, client-centered model with an emphasis on harm reduction practices
Ability and willingness to provide non-judgmental encouragement to clients is essential
Ability to work cooperatively on a multi-disciplinary team, and to work with clients with various ethnic backgrounds
Basic knowledge and experience working with computers, including word processing and data entry programs
Written communication skills in English adequate to draft progress reports and meet the documentation requirements of the program
Ability to effectively organize and present information in group settings
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively
Verifiable clean driving record (Community outreach, such as home visit and health screenings appointments may be required) preferred
Valid California Driver’s License, insurance, and ability to travel as required to perform duties (preferred)
Evidence of organizational commitment to populations impacted by violence, poverty, racism and/or mental illness
Experience with individuals or groups impacted by violence, poverty, racism and or mental/illness
Experience conducting community outreach and engagement activities

Nice To Haves

Associates Degree preferred
Verifiable clean driving record (Community outreach, such as home visit and health screenings appointments may be required) preferred
Valid California Driver’s License, insurance, and ability to travel as required to perform duties (preferred)

Responsibilities

Conduct community outreach and engagement both reactively and proactively to residents in need of support who are not housed, insecurely housed, or struggling to maintain their housing, as well as those with mental health, physical health and or substance use needs who may need linkage to services.
Maintain documentation of program activities, response calls and assists in tracking data related to program activities
Maintain inventory of health education/outreach materials necessary to conduct outreach efforts and to supply internal providers and other staff as needed
Provide hands-on support for clients in reaching and accessing services according to their intervention plan (medical and social service appointments, assist in some activities of daily living, such as grocery shopping) and/or assist clients in connecting with and accessing available transportation resources
Complete assessments, service plan development, and service linkage (housing, financial, medical, etc.) following a harm reduction model
Assist residents in implementing their wellness and recovery plans and goals, as appropriate
Conduct intake interviews with participants, and provide referrals for services to community agencies as appropriate
Establish positive, supportive relationships with residents, stakeholders, and providers in community.
Other duties as assigned