Community Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

A faith-based nonprofit organization in Louisville is seeking a compassionate Social Services Coordinator to provide individualized support to individuals experiencing homelessness. This role combines advocacy, resource coordination, crisis support, and faith-based service to help clients overcome barriers and build a path toward stability and long-term independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess client needs related to housing, health, income, employment, and personal goals.

• Develop individualized service plans with clients and monitor progress toward established goals.

• Coordinate connections to shelters, housing programs, healthcare, mental health services, recovery programs, public benefits, and other community resources.

• Advocate for clients with government agencies, housing providers, healthcare organizations, and community partners.

• Assist clients with navigating housing applications and overcoming barriers to stable housing.

• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation using trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and strengths-based practices.

• Coach clients in life skills, financial literacy, goal setting, resilience, and self-advocacy.

• Collaborate with outreach workers, healthcare providers, housing specialists, and other members of the service team.

• Maintain timely and accurate case documentation, service plans, and progress notes.

• Help develop and coordinate a Learning Center based on identified client needs and skill gaps.

• Work with community partners to provide educational opportunities related to employment readiness, household management, life skills, and personal development.

• Contribute to program development and continuous improvement of service processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.

• 1–3 years of experience in social services, case management, homeless services, behavioral health, community outreach, or a related field.

• Experience working with vulnerable populations affected by homelessness, mental illness, substance use, or trauma.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, strengths-based approaches, housing systems, public benefits, and community resources.

• Strong communication, advocacy, organization, and crisis-management skills.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

Desired Traits

• Compassionate, client-centered, and mission-driven.

• Calm and dependable in challenging or crisis situations.

• Strong communicator and creative problem-solver.

• Organized and able to manage multiple client needs simultaneously.

• Committed to empowering individuals toward lasting stability and independence.

Spiritual Alignment

This position requires alignment with Christian values and practices, including a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, belief in the Bible as the foundation for faith and daily life, agreement with the Exodus Statement of Faith, active membership in a local evangelical church, and a Christ-like attitude in speech, actions, and service to others.

Physical & Work Conditions

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting.

• Combination of field-based and office-based work with community travel.

• Regular interaction with individuals experiencing crisis or unstable living situations.

Compensation

$50,000–$55,000/year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Thrive is an Equal Opportunity Employer.