DEFINITION

Under general supervision, assists patrons seeking access to social service and community resources; researches and maintains updated information regarding service providers, public programs and government agencies; maintains accurate data and program records; performs related duties as required. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Community Resource Specialist assists patrons in accessing needed social services, community resources and public programs. Incumbents research and maintain listings of services, resources and programs available and their eligibility requirements. 

SUPERVISION EXCERCISED

Receives supervision from the Division Manager and/or their designee. May also receive supervision or work guidance from a Senior Community Resource Specialist. Exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Assists and guides patrons, both in person and via telephone and email, seeking access to social service programs.
• Conducts follow-ups to ensure patrons receive access and information to health, housing, education, employment and other social services.
• Researches and locates local community groups and government agencies.
• Maintains and updates accurate referral and resource records and data.
• Gathers information on program and service eligibility.
• Assists patrons in the administration of any program participation assessments; guides patrons in accessing and completing service applications.
• Participates in program planning and evaluation.
• Conducts outreach and participates in social service resource fairs and similar events.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or related field.
• Experience: One (1) year of experience assisting the public in providing customer service or researching community resources. 

Licenses or Certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Social service providers and government agencies, especially in the areas of employment, housing, health, and education.
• Customer service etiquette and responding to calls by telephone.
• Record keeping principles, practices, and methods.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including skill in using desktop software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. 

Ability

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Speak and understand Spanish and English fluently.
• Work with diverse people from a variety of culture and backgrounds.
• Work independently.
• Research and locate information. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Resolve customer service problems effectively and tactfully.
• Write reports and keep accurate records.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Understand and follow verbal and written directions. 

These are position functions which may be changed, deleted, or reassigned to accommodate an individual with a disability.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a standard community facility or office setting.
• Required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends from time-to-time. 

 Physical Conditions

• Prolonged sitting and regular standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. 
• Grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. 
• Near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents.
• Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. 
• Lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 20 pounds.

Some requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.