Under the general supervision of Believe in Recovery and the operational supervision of East Jefferson Fire Rescue, the Community Support Specialist will offer aid and support to community members in need, whether it's through direct assistance during emergencies, facilitating access to resources, or providing educational needs as part of the CARES Unit for East Jefferson Fire Rescue. This is a full-time position staffed by Believe In Recovery.

Job duties include considerable public contact and are intended to bridge the gap between emergency medical response and/or law enforcement and the needs of the people with behavioral health issues. The Community Support Specialist will accompany the EJFR CARES Unit's firefighter/EMT to assist individuals referred by first responders throughout East Jefferson County. Work will be reviewed, by East Jefferson Fire Rescue, through conferences, analysis of reports and observations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cultivate contacts and establish and maintain positive, effective, collaborative working relationships with East Jefferson Fire Rescue, other fire and police department personnel, behavioral health providers, other healthcare providers, social service agencies, homeless shelters, and community service and faith-based groups to assist individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and other behavioral health issues.
• Establish and maintain rapport with the populations served.
• Provide information, non-clinical consultation and referral.
• Respond to requests for information from first responders and the public about available services.
• Promote best practices in engagement approaches, support systems and interventions.
• Meet with and interview contacts, families and other care providers to assess needs and eligibility for services.
• Advocate needs of individuals within and outside system; liaise between individuals in need of assistance, caregivers and service providers. Provide client-level and system-wide troubleshooting for advocacy.
• Follow-up with identified individuals in an effort to coordinate care.
• Consult with other agency professionals on difficult cases.
• Prepare and maintain records, case notes and reports related to activities; maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Work with the EJFR CARES Unit to collect and analyze data.
• Work with the EJFR CARES Unit to plan and staff community events.
• Provide training for fire and partner emergency response personnel.

Required knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Modern office practices and computer applications.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Work effectively in team environments.
• Express ideas and recommendations clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Exercise a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, problem solving and decision making within the scope of assigned authority.
• Effectively identify and resolve conflict.
• Knowledge of community resources, social service programs, and support networks available to individuals and families.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport, build trust, and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Empathy and compassion for individuals facing adversity, with a commitment to advocating for their needs and rights.
• Ability to assess client needs, develop individualized service plans, and monitor progress towards goals.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage caseloads, documentation, and reporting requirements.

Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in social work or related human services field preferred. Minimum of 2 years of experience in community outreach, case management, or direct support services.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $72,800.00 - $83,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid orientation
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Port Townsend, WA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person