Community Support Specialist - MYPAC - Hattiesburg, MS

Canopy Careers•Hattiesburg, MS

About The Position

Founded in 1912 as an adoption agency, Canopy Children's Solutions is Mississippi’s most comprehensive nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health, educational, and family support solutions. Canopy employs a diverse group of mission-driven individuals committed to honoring the voice of Mississippi children and families. Being an integral part of the Canopy team involves committing to the Core Values that drive our organization forward: The voice of our children and families always comes first Relationships matter and our differences make us stronger We take great joy in service to others Our families and communities deserves our very best C anopy has been designated a Great Place to Work® for the fifth consecutive year, and is one of only eight companies in Mississippi to qualify for this certification in 2026-2027. Canopy’s employees are charged with building a healthy work culture within their teams, that focus on trust, and the collective goal of helping kids thrive and families to overcome extraordinary challenges. We offer a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to: Competitive Compensation 403b Retirement Plan with Match Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance PTO/Vacation Employee Wellness Program and Counseling Services Community Support Specialist Overview : The Community Support Specialist (CSS) is a vital care service based on the individual needs of children and their families. The CSS is responsible for delivering an array of accommodating community services, assessing and linking children and families with social, educational, vocational, and recreational services. Collaboratively working with children and families, the CSS provides precise, measurable and individual services that focuses on the child’s and family’s abilities to assimilate within their community as well as to identify and access community services. Since the CSS is an integral resource for children, families and their communities and because it reflects MCHS’ core values, the work functions are comprehensive and include, but are not limited to, identifying and accessing needed community services, implementing evident-based practices specific to individual children and families, connecting them within their communities and tracking their progress.

Requirements

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field and at least two years of experience working directly with children and families.
Must meet the minimum requirements to be certified through the Mississippi Department of Mental Health as a Community Support Specialist.
Demonstrate competence implementing evident-based practices, best practices working with children and families.
Demonstrates competence in completing reports related to payment for services provided.
Computer skills required.
Must be available to work a flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend hours, as needed, to meet job responsibilities.
Must be at least 23 years of age, have a valid Mississippi driver license, a good driving record, proof of legally appropriate auto liability insurance, and must be willing to use personal vehicle, as needed, for agency business

Responsibilities

Assists children and families to gain access to needed community support services including, but not limited to, education, medical, social, vocational, recreational, therapeutic and other social services.
Assess the strengths and service needs of the children and families.
Develop specific, measurable, individualized interventions and services to meet needs and measure progress.
Provides transportation for families in a safe and responsible manner.
Directs services in the home, school and community whenever possible.
Provides and coordinates social services that are child focused and build on the family and community strengths.
Provides crisis intervention services as needed within the scope of role and competency.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date community support resource manual.
Implements service interventions based on the ISP and documents in Evolv.
Implement evidence-based practices and interventions when possible
Complete necessary documentation for each child and family based on program guidelines.
Demonstrate flexibility and work with the family based on the family’s schedule, their availability and convenience which may require working some evenings and weekends.
Attends weekly staff meetings.
Works in collaboration with supervisor, therapist, and other MCHS staff to monitor progress.
Assist with aftercare planning to ensure referrals are made, appointments are made, and services are available/accessible.
Other duties as assigned.