Community Support Specialist

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee

21h

About The Position

The Community Support Specialist supports Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee’s mission by connecting employees with internal and external resources that promote workplace success, stability, and well-being. The role serves as a resource navigator and advocate, assessing employee needs, coordinating referrals, and providing follow-up to help address barriers that may affect employment. The specialist develops and maintains relationships with community organizations, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and other support networks. The role collaborates with employees, managers, Human Resources, Mission Integration, and community partners to identify solutions that support employee success and retention. It includes responding to crisis situations, conducting on-site visits as needed, keeping records, facilitating training, and representing Goodwill at community events and partner meetings. The ideal candidate has experience navigating community resources, addressing complex life challenges, responding to crises, and working with people from diverse backgrounds. Experience supporting individuals with disabilities is valued but not required. The specialist is expected to promote a positive work environment aligned with Goodwill’s vision, mission, and core values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness, and Empowerment.

Requirements

Three years of experience connecting individuals to community resources and support services.
Experience in human services, social services, behavioral health, workforce development, community outreach, employee assistance, or a related field.
Experience managing multiple priorities while maintaining detailed documentation and follow-up.
Experience building relationships with community organizations and external partners.
Knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
Strong problem-solving and resource navigation skills.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to build trust and effective working relationships with employees, managers, and community partners.
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new databases and case documentation systems.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Community Development, or a related field.
Experience supporting individuals with disabilities.
Experience with crisis intervention, crisis navigation, or complex resource coordination.
Experience providing training or facilitating group presentations.
Experience conducting assessments and developing support plans.

Responsibilities

Work within Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee’s compliance standards while maintaining employee confidentiality.
Assess employee needs, barriers, and available support resources.
Connect employees to community resources and services, including housing, transportation, healthcare, financial assistance, childcare, counseling, workforce programs, and other supportive services.
Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and service providers to expand available resources for employees.
Provide resource navigation, advocacy, and follow-up to help employees access services and address barriers to employment.
Help employees identify solutions to challenges that may affect attendance, performance, job retention, or well-being.
Respond to crisis situations, coordinating with community agencies, healthcare providers, Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, or other appropriate partners when necessary.
Conduct on-site visits, observations, and meetings as needed to evaluate employee support needs and resource opportunities.
Develop and facilitate training related to employee support services, workplace inclusion, resource awareness, and Mission Integration initiatives.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of employee interactions, referrals, resource utilization, and outcomes.
Collaborate with managers, Human Resources, Mission Integration staff, and external partners to support employee success.
Monitor employee progress and provide ongoing support as appropriate.
Represent Goodwill at community events, resource fairs, and partner meetings.
Attend work regularly and on time.
Perform other duties as assigned or appropriate.