Human Services Specialist II - CRIA Specialist

City of Alexandria • Alexandria, VA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The CRIA Specialist position provides information on a myriad of programs and services in response to specific inquiries from residents and community-based organizations. Using an updated resource file and database, Information and Referral Specialists link individuals in need of information and/or services to appropriate resources. The Information & Referral Specialist also represents the Information and Referral team at training, community meetings, events, and other venues as needed.

Requirements

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Excellent listening skills
• Ability to apply critical thinking to respond effectively to situations
• Ability to work successfully with clients on a person-centered level and to empower them in the constructive use of their own capabilities
• Knowledge of aging, health, intellectual disability, mental illness, trauma and other problems and processes that affect development
• Knowledge of social problems that affect functioning such as current social, economic and health problems, including the specialized needs of older adults, poverty, drug addiction and the dynamics surrounding these issues
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work with frequent interruptions
• Knowledge of human services systems, community resources, and referral processes
• Experience working in support of people with diverse educational, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to work with people of all backgrounds and sensitivity to the challenges of those experiencing homelessness and/or unstable housing situations with complex presentations, including chronic trauma
• Ability to interact constructively and work in harmony with diverse community interests
• High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work
• Ability to function well in a team environment as well as independently
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field
• Three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities
• Valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence

Nice To Haves

• Masters’ Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or other related field
• AIRS (Alliance of Information & Referral Systems) certification as a Community Resource Specialist Aging/Disabilities (CRS-A/D)
• Fluency in Spanish, Amharic, Korean, Farsi or Dari
• At least one (1) year of experience with the Peerplace Database

Responsibilities

• Assessing and diagnosing an individual’s human service problems and needs
• Identifying appropriate resources, exploring options, and assisting the individual in solving as appropriate
• Creating action plans for clients and providing follow-up and monitoring to ensure compliance
• Providing early identification and intervention for client’s concerns
• Providing crisis intervention for walk-in clients as necessary and redirects them to proper resources
• Assessing client for benefit qualifications and assists with applications to access said programs
• Preparing client records for Peerplace or related databases and runs reports as needed
• Advocating on behalf of the individual, when necessary
• Facilitating coordination between formal and informal resources in execution of plans
• May provide short-term case management, care coordination and/or options counseling
• Training volunteers to provide information & referral services
• Other duties as required

Benefits

• The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level