Community Support Specialist

Community Support Specialist

The Community Support Specialist supports the mission of Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee by connecting employees to internal and external resources that promote workplace success, stability, and well-being. This position serves as a resource navigator and advocate, helping employees overcome barriers that may impact employment through assessment, referral, resource coordination, and follow-up support. The Community Support Specialist develops and maintains strong relationships with community organizations, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and other support networks to ensure employees have access to appropriate resources. This position collaborates with employees, managers, Human Resources, Mission Integration, and community partners to identify solutions that support employee success and retention. The ideal candidate has experience navigating community resources, addressing complex life challenges, responding to crisis situations, and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Experience supporting individuals with disabilities is valued but not required. The Community Support Specialist will promote a positive work environment that celebrates our vision, mission and core values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness and Empowerment in every action and interaction with team members, donors, customers, management and persons served.

Essential Functions

• Works within compliance standards for Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee while maintaining employee confidentiality.
• Conduct assessments to identify employee needs, barriers, and available support resources.
• Connect employees to appropriate community resources and services, including housing, transportation, healthcare, financial assistance, childcare, counseling, workforce programs, and other supportive services.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and service providers to expand available resources for employees.
• Provide resource navigation, advocacy, and follow-up support to help employees access services and address barriers to employment.
• Assist employees in identifying solutions to challenges that may impact attendance, performance, job retention, or overall well-being.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations, including coordinating with community agencies, healthcare providers, Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, or other appropriate partners when necessary.
• Conduct on-site visits, observations, and meetings as needed to evaluate employee support needs and resource opportunities.
• Develop and facilitate training programs related to employee support services, workplace inclusion, resource awareness, and Mission Integration initiatives.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of employee interactions, referrals, resource utilization, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with managers, Human Resources, Mission Integration staff, and external partners to support employee success.
• Monitor employee progress and provide ongoing support as appropriate.
• Represent Goodwill at community events, resource fairs, and partner meetings.
• Attend work regularly and in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned or appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Community Development, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 3 year's experience connecting individuals to community resources and support services.
• Experience working in human services, social services, behavioral health, workforce development, community outreach, employee assistance, or a related field.
• Experience managing multiple priorities while maintaining detailed documentation and follow-up.
• Experience building relationships with community organizations and external partners.

Preferred

• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Experience with crisis intervention, crisis navigation, or complex resource coordination.
• Experience providing training or facilitating group presentations.
• Experience conducting assessments and developing support plans.

Knowledge / Skills

• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
• Strong problem-solving and resource navigation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and establish effective working relationships with employees, managers, and community partners.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new databases and case documentation systems.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Certifications and Licenses

• A valid Driver's License is required.