Community Services Provider

Community Services Provider Program: Community ServicesHours: 37.5 hours per week Location: In-person at 540 Columbia St., Hudson, NYWage Range: $20 per hour with Status: Non-ExemptWith Full Benefit Package Reports to: Community Services Program DirectorUnder 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 ExperienceDegree in social work, human services, or a related field preferredWill 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 CharacteristicsAbility and commitment to work with a diverse populationExcellent organizational and leadership skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsFamiliarity with Trauma Informed Care is very desirableAbility to deal objectively with sensitive family/household issuesGreat problem-solving and decision-making abilitiesKnowledge of data collection, reporting and budgetingKnowledge of community resourcesMust maintain confidentiality regarding agency, customer & business informationProficient with or the ability to quickly learn intake, client information management systems, and similar computer applicationsUnderstanding of the causes and conditions of poverty and homelessnessWorking knowledge of MS Office 365 products including Word, Excel, and OutlookCandidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish are preferredGeneral Description of DutiesIntake and Assessment - Conducting initial interviews with potential customers to understand their needs, eligibility for programs, and develop personalized service plansBenefit 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 benefitsOutreach and Community Engagement - Identifying individuals in need through community outreach efforts, participating in community events, and building relationships with local organizationsInformation & 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 opportunitiesAdvocacy- Representing customer's needs by advocating to government agencies, landlords, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and secure necessary supportFinancial Literacy Education/Informal Counseling - Providing budgeting guidance and financial literacy workshops to help clients manage their finances effectivelyCase 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 requirementsLicenses 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 policyOther Requirements - Following a provisional offer of employment, all candidates are subject to a background checkPhysical Requirements and Work ConditionWork is generally performed in an office environment that is adequately cooled, heated, lighted and ventilatedThis position is occasionally exposed to varying temperatures, including outdoor weather conditionsVision 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 understandThe position is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, twist, and reach to secure filesOccasionally carry and lift objects up to 30 - 50 pounds.Frequently required to interact with the public and other staffWork in families' private homes with variations is temperature, hygiene and living stylesOccasionally required to respond to organizational needs outside of normal working hours