Job Title |
Community Support Specialist – Youth and Families |
Reports To |
Manager Youth and Family Care Navigation |
Location |
Youth |
Department |
Youth Services |
Union |
Yes: X |
No: |
Exempt : |
Non-Exempt: X |
Salary Range |
$35,000-$42,000 |
EEO Code |
(2) Professional |
Updated |
8/16 |
Approved By |
Carole Schor, Director of Human Resources |
About Whitman-Walker Health
At Whitman-Walker, our commitment to “Community, Caring and Quality” really shines through! Our mission is to be the highest quality, culturally competent community health center serving greater Washington’s diverse urban community, including individuals who face barriers to accessing care, and with a special expertise in LGBT and HIV care. We offer a full line of healthcare services including: (1) comprehensive outpatient offerings for medical and dental healthcare; (2) an on-site Pharmacy; (3) legal support in the areas of access to health care, public benefits and private insurance, discrimination and workplace rights, immigration, transgender rights and others; (4) behavioral healthcare provided through individual and group therapy; and (5) confidential and anonymous HIV testing and counseling services.
Job Summary
The Community Support Specialist-Youth and Families provides direct supportive services to HIV-positive youth (ages 13-25) and Families affected by HIV as they work towards stability and service independence. The CSS-Youth and Families is a paraprofessional with a close understanding of the community. The CSS-Youth and Families develops a trusting relationship with clients that helps to create a bridge between service providers and Whitman Walker Health clients. This relationship helps to facilitate access and engagement in medical care and other needed services while increasing the client’s self-sufficiency. The CSS-Youth and Families works directly with clients in the community and provides assistance and support in accessing public benefits, navigating service systems, educational or vocational support, accompanying to medical appointments and strategies around medication adherence. The CSS-Youth and Families works as part of a team with the Therapeutic Support Specialist to provide coordinated care to clients and ensure lasting progress towards stability is achieved.
Primary Essential Duties
- Works in tandem with the Therapeutic Support Specialist to provide support to the clients specifically meeting the direct needs of the clients.
- Assists and guides clients through services at Whitman-Walker and outside agencies, serving as a representative and advocate of the client and providing referrals when necessary.
- Makes regular contact with clients to promote adherence to wellness plans and assists the client in establishing a healthy support system.
- Works with the clients and families in the community to access necessary services including transporting clients to and from appointments.
- Maintains up to date and accurate records in the electronic medical record (EMR) system or other data systems.
- Ensures patients receive necessary services from community organizations
- Follows-up with patients that are identified for being at risk of falling out of care or who have not been recently seen by the practice
- Maintains a current resource list of community service organizations
- Other duties as assigned.
- Budget Responsibilities
None
Management Responsibilities
None
Knowledge, Skills, and Talents Required
A 37.50-hour work week is a general requirement, with a Monday through Friday schedule being typical. Some early morning, late evening and weekend coverage may be required depending on scheduling requirements. This position will be located at Youth Services with some time necessary at 1525 Health Center, Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center and/or Max Robinson Center.
- Knowledge of HIV-related illnesses and substance abuse, including current treatment and adherence strategies and knowledge of risk reduction intervention strategies.
- Knowledge of trauma and the impact that personal and systemic trauma can have on health outcomes.
- Ability to navigate fast paced working environment where client needs change daily.
- Ability to assess clients for needs related to treatment education, risk reduction, or prevention.
- Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to conduct sensitive, empathetic interviews that respect the dignity and diversity of clients.
- Ability to maintain client records and information in an accurate, timely and confidential manner.
- Sensitivity to all areas of diversity, including HIV status, race, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Driver’s license and access to a car.
Education and Experience Required
- High School Degree and three years work experience in a social service field required; Bachelors Degree preferred.
- Experience working with an ethnically, culturally and racially diverse work staff preferred; ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals required.Working conditions for this position are normal for an office environment. Individual may be required to work evenings and / or weekends and organization events. Some work will occur in the community and non-traditional work settings.
- Physical Demands:
- Working Conditions:
- Lifting: No more than 20 lbs. and infrequently.
- Movement: Standing and sitting for long periods.
- Visual: Long periods on computer.
- Concentration: Extended periods of engagement with computer systems where concentration is key to accuracy in data entry. Intermittent periods of engagement with a telephone system to respond to inquiries where concentration is key to task performance.
- Communication: Direct and indirect communication. Written and verbal competency.
The above job description is designed to indicate a general sense of the duties and expectations of this position. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required. As the nature of our business demands change, so too, may the duties and responsibilities of this position. You may be required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
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Apply through our website at http://www-whitman-walker.org