Community Services Provider

Title: Community Services Provider              Program:  Community Services         

Hours: 37.5 hours per week                              Location: In-person at 540 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 

Wage Range:  $20 per hour with                     Status:   Non-Exempt

With Full Benefit Package                                         Reports to:  Community Services Program Director

Under the supervision of the Director of Community Services, the person in this position will directly assist with the effective implementation of a range of services and activities. The Community Services Provider will assist individuals and families with low incomes, by assessing their needs, connecting them to services offered by Columbia Opportunities as well as other community agencies, aiming to alleviate poverty and improve quality of life. Current services include - advocacy and referrals, emergency food pantry, short term emergency financial assistance, Home Energy Assistance Program, permanent supportive housing, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Weatherization Assistance Program.

Essential education and experience:

• Degree in social work, human services, or a related field preferred
• Will consider replacing 1 year of formal education with 2 years of paid or volunteer work experience performing intake processes, community outreach, advocacy, eligibility determination.

Essential skills, abilities and characteristics:

• Ability and commitment to work with a diverse population 
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with Trauma Informed Care is very desirable
• Ability to deal objectively with sensitive family/household issues
• Great problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Knowledge of data collection, reporting and budgeting
• Knowledge of community resources
• Must maintain confidentiality regarding agency, customer & business information
• Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn intake, client information management systems, and similar computer applications
• Understanding of the causes and conditions of poverty and homelessness
• Working knowledge of MS Office 365 products including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish are preferred

General description of duties:

• Intake and Assessment - Conducting initial interviews with potential customers to understand their needs, eligibility for programs, and develop personalized service plans
• Benefit Application Assistance – Help customers apply for and navigate government assistance programs like Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Public Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, housing vouchers, unemployment and Weatherization benefits 
• Outreach and Community Engagement - Identifying individuals in need through community outreach efforts, participating in community events, and building relationships with local organizations 
• Information & Referral - Provide information and make routine referrals to resources available from Columbia Opportunities, Inc. and other organizations within the community which help customers meet health, housing, food, and other critical needs.
• Resource Navigation - Researching and connecting customers to relevant community resources like job training programs, healthcare providers, legal services, and educational opportunities
• Advocacy- Representing customer’s needs by advocating to government agencies, landlords, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and secure necessary support
• Financial Literacy Education/Informal Counseling - Providing budgeting guidance and financial literacy workshops to help clients manage their finances effectively
• Case Management - managing a small caseload of Permanent Supportive Housing customers, tracking their progress, providing ongoing support, and coordinating services with other agencies and rental property owners.
• Data Collection and Reporting - Maintaining accurate client records, documenting service delivery, and generating reports to meet program requirements

Licenses or certifications required for this position - Valid NYS Driver’s license - employment is contingent on the applicant’s ability to be covered under COI’s automobile insurance policy

Other Requirements - Following a provisional offer of employment, all candidates are subject to a background check

Physical Requirements and Work Condition

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the tasks outlined in this job description.  

• Work is generally performed in an office environment that is adequately cooled, heated, lighted and ventilated
• This position is occasionally exposed to varying temperatures, including outdoor weather conditions
• Vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus – to read handwritten and printed materials, and a computer screen. 
• Must be able to communicate and exchange accurate information, in person and by telephone, information and ideas so others will understand
• The position is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, twist, and reach to secure files
• Occasionally carry and lift objects up to 30 - 50 pounds.  
• Frequently required to interact with the public and other staff
• Work in families’ private homes with variations is temperature, hygiene and living styles 
• Occasionally required to respond to organizational needs outside of normal working hours