Community Services Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY :

The Community Services Coordinator is responsible for assisting low-income individuals seeking or receiving utility or rental assistance while working within federal, state and local regulations and policies. Other responsibilities include evaluating and maintaining eligibility of clients receiving services, collecting supporting documentation, maintaining client files and providing case management services to assist in transitioning clients out of poverty.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Conducts initial interviews of clients requesting services including calculating income, obtaining required documentation and entering applications into the computer system.
• Assesses client needs, determines eligibility for program services and follows eligibility guidelines and program policies and procedures.
• Assists clients with understanding of and completion of paperwork for program services; makes referrals as necessary.
• Maintains complete and accurate client case files which includes information regarding eligibility, referrals and other required documentation; ensures appropriate documentation is attached to application; reviews all applications for completeness and accuracy; updates and makes corrections as needed.
• Prepares utility vouchers and pledges and submits for processing and payment.
• Maintains an accurate account balance and reconciles summary of funds with fiscal department reports.
• Assists in the completion of the Community Needs Assessment, National Survey and Community Action Plan.
• Provides on-going case management to families and individuals receiving assistance and serves as a liaison between agencies, clients and service providers.
• Maintains a comprehensive caseload for assigned counties including maintaining appropriate documentation in the SHAH system; assists other County Coordinators as needed.
• Develops and implements service delivery plans to meet client needs that contain short and long-term goals and a timeline for goal accomplishment.
• Follows up to with clients to determine outcomes of established goals (i.e. job placement, increased salary) and documents accomplishments in client file.
• Provides client training in the areas of energy-education activities, budget counseling and other aspects necessary to assist clients into work and out of poverty.
• Establishes and maintains a system for literature distribution and new client recruitment; distributes literature as needed.
• Conducts inspections as needed for clients requesting rental assistance.
• Networks with various community organizations, businesses and employers to establish and maintain positive and effective relationships to support organizational collaborations and partnerships, including utilization of all available community resources.
• Participates in community outreach activities throughout service area and assists with food distribution and other community projects.
• Makes presentations to community based organizations that service low-income individuals and families and assists in the recruitment of eligible clients.
• Recruits, trains and supervises volunteers.
• Coordinates the cleaning of assigned CCSCT office(s), including sweeping, mopping and vacuuming floors, cleaning bathrooms, dusting and cleaning windows and anything else required to keep offices clean and neat.
• Ensures agency vehicle is in operating condition and takes responsibility for vehicle maintenance, including reporting all vehicle issues/repairs, completing annual safety inspections and oil changes, and washing and cleaning the interior and exterior of vehicle (as applicable).
• Follows CCSCT Policies and Procedures and maintains confidentiality in all phases of agency operations.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the agency mission and takes pride in achieving that mission.
• Familiarizes self with the agency's Strategic Plan, including its goals and strategies and works collaboratively with other agency staff to achieve identified outcomes.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and related activities; attends conferences, workshops, and trainings to increase professional knowledge; serves on committees as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS :

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in a social service setting or related work experience. Demonstrated experience working with low-income clients in a non-profit or social service organization preferred.
• Experience managing a daily caseload strongly preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Other Requirements

• Must successfully complete a pre-employment criminal background check, drug test and motor vehicle records check.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record and have access to a reliable vehicle with current vehicle liability insurance; must be willing to travel within service area.
• Must be able to work Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am-5:00pm. Schedules may vary based on business needs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP).
• Knowledge of Single Family Home Programs such as Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), Home Buyer Assistance (HBA) Program, Contract for Deed Conversion (CFDC) and Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance (HRA) Program.
• Knowledge of federal, state and other local Community Services standards, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of case management principles and counseling and interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of cultural differences and sensitivity to the implications of culture for service delivery.
• Working knowledge of computers and basic to intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); able to operate office machines such as fax, scanner, printer, copier, and telephone.
• Working knowledge of SHAH preferred.
• Effective communication skills with an ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, with persons from varied ethnic, socioeconomic, educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to read, comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and plan, organize, and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to interpret and convey complex policies and procedures to customers and present information to individuals and staff.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced work environment with constant interruptions.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, collaborating with others to accomplish business objectives.
• Ability to use sound judgment and make timely decisions based on careful, objective review and analysis of available considerations and factors. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, management, program participants, and others encountered in the course of work.
• Ability to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events and adapt to changes accordingly in the workplace.

TRAVEL:

Travel to and from various sites throughout the CCSCT service area takes place on a frequent basis. Occasional out-of-state and overnight travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, see, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and rarely required to climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment and tools. The employee must occasionally lift and/or carry up to 30 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Work is generally performed in an office environment in which there is minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to quiet. Employee must be able to function in an environment with constant interruptions.