Client Care Specialist

Description

Title : Client Care Specialist

Function : To provide a range of general advocacy services to victims of sexual assault and their families including support, information and resources.

Hours : Full time, can occasionally include evenings and weekends

Status : Non-Exempt

Reports to : Client Care Specialist Supervisor

At KCSARC, we not only value diversity - we celebrate it. We are committed to creating a team as diverse as the communities we live in, and we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our team will be. We are rooted in a foundation of anti-racism and equity, which must be demonstrated in word and action. As a proud equal opportunity employer, we welcome all races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, identities, religions, and ages, candidates who are veterans, LGBTQ+, and multilingual, candidates with diverse viewpoints and experiences, and candidates who have an EAD (Employment Authorization Document), regardless of immigration status.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct Intake Screenings
• Determine comprehensive service needs of clients
• Provide information and referrals, both internal and external
• Determine client needs for forensic medical evaluations
• Work in cooperation with HATC related to forensic medical evaluation appointments and consult as needed
• Initiate contact with community professionals to fully assess and address client needs
• Work with law enforcement, child protective agencies, child welfare, medical personnel, etc., for coordinated care
• Assist clients and/or guardians to make informed decisions about medical and psychological needs
• Provide information about sexual assault impact, recovery and coping to increase client's emotional health
• Provide immediate case management to guide the client through immediate service needs
• Provide information and assistance with Crime Victim Compensation application
• Provide on-going advocacy when needed
• Assist in the coordination of services with other providers
• Work with department managers and directors to continually assess service needs
• Other duties as assigned

Internal Relationships

• Actively participate in individual supervision
• Attend internal case staffings
• Attend agency meetings
• Assist in training new staff
• Teach sessions to new staff in CORE training as requested
• Provide cross-departmental training as requested
• Work collaboratively across departments
• Consult and interface with other client services staff on specific cases as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

External Relationships

• Interface with community professionals for the benefit of KCSARC (DCYF, KCPAO, DOC, LE, etc.)
• Participate in professional community groups as needed
• Create and provide training to community groups as prioritized
• Participate in outreach activities as needed.

Requirements

Core Competencies

• Builds rapport and communicates effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Demonstrates empathy, active listening, sound judgment, and appropriate professional assertiveness.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, including when navigating sensitive or emotionally difficult situations.
• Effectively organizes, prioritizes, and manages competing responsibilities and caseload demands.
• Works both independently and collaboratively as an effective member of the Client Services team.
• Demonstrates initiative, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and sound decision-making.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Works effectively with individuals experiencing high-stress or emotionally challenging situations.
• Understands sexual assault victimization, trauma, and the healing process.
• Demonstrates awareness of and ability to manage the potential impact of secondary trauma associated with the work.
• Adheres to KCSARC's Guiding Principles, policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Communicates effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Technology Skills

• Proficient with standard workplace technology, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, databases, and other electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Comfortable using virtual meeting and communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
• Able to efficiently use standard office technology, including computers, keyboards, telephones, and VoIP applications.

Work Environment & Role Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment that may involve high-stress, sensitive, or emotionally challenging situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Limited travel may be required.

Minimum Experience Required:

• B.A. degree or equivalent years experience in Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• 3-4 years directly related to work experience.
• Working knowledge of sexual assault and experience supporting victims/survivors.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Experience Preferred:

• 5 years' work experience in a social service setting.
• Two or more years' experience in providing assistance to victims, either through a rape crisis center or victim assistance unit.
• Completed 30-hour Core Services Training.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish strongly preferred.