Position Summary
Reporting to the CalAIM Program Coordinator, the Community Support Specialist will have an administrative focus on CenCal Health programs and encompass a broad range of tasks that support the efficient operation of programs, including, managing internal and external correspondence, maintaining organized records, and supporting the planning an execution of events and day-habilitation classes involving clients, donors, and volunteers.
Compensation and Benefits
- Pay Range: $24.00-28.00 per hour
- 40 hours/week - Full-time, non-exempt position
- Eligible to enroll into benefits on the 1st day of the month following two months from the date of hire.
- 5CHC covers 100% of the employee only cost of the Silver level PPO plan, Dental PPO and Vision coverage offered by Anthem Blue Cross.
- Life Insurance - $25,000 death benefit at no charge to the employee.
- Employee Assistance Program - Anthem
- SIMPLE IRA plan which allows eligible employees to contribute a portion of their salary toward retirement on a pre-tax basis with an employer match.
- 11 paid holidays plus one personal day per year
- Up to 12 days of Vacation Leave accrued annually, increasing after 3 years of service
- 40 hours of Paid Sick Leave each calendar year.
Essential Functions
- Tracking program and client level data with experience in Excel/Google Sheets, Microsoft Word
- Ability to review, interpret and adapt to evolving DHCS guidelines.
- Submit and track CenCal referrals, authorizations, extensions, discontinuations, and related documentation through the CenCal provider portal.
- Maintain accurate data logs, spreadsheets, and internal tracking systems to support reporting and billing needs.
- Assist with scheduling activities and volunteers for Day Habilitation (DH) classes, help with implementing the monthly DH calendar for staff, and coordinating logistics with internal staff (shelter staff, shelter clients, case managers).
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers to teach or support classes, and assist with Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) tracking for client attendance as needed.
- Attend Day Habilitation classes, networking events, and community meetings to support community engagement and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with the CalAIM Program Coordinator to support program planning, improvement efforts, and team communication.
- Provide weekly check-ins at shelter sites to ensure daily Day Habilitation tracking is operating efficiently for shelter staff, and assist with the monthly programming for Day Habilitation Program.
- Regularly meet with the Supervisory team for the exchange of information, brainstorming, and problem-solving.
- Participate in monthly auditing of accurate data with the Quality Assurance department and in monthly billing activities with the CalAIM Program Coordinator.
- Reliable, regular attendance.
Qualifications
- Possess a minimum of an Associate Degree in a related field or two years of related experience.
- 2 years of experience in a homeless services setting working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and/or substance use concerns is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with available resources to support homeless clients.
- Ability to use computers, with proficiency in Microsoft Office software, particularly Excel.
- Be a highly motivated self-starter, with proven ability to develop creative solutions.
- Project a professional demeanor and possess excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work both individually and as part of a team.
- Ability to multi-task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations.
- Ability to maintain a professional, customer service-oriented attitude at all times.
- Ability to meet face-to-face in the office with homeless individuals of diverse backgrounds and disabilities, including physical, mental, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, etc.
- Ability to develop rapport, provide information, and refer with sensitivity to cultural issues.
- Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.
- Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.
Other Requirements (may be met at time of hiring with 5CHC)
- Successful completion of background screening.
- Reliable transportation, valid California driver's license, proof of current auto insurance, and ability to qualify for organization's insurance coverage.
- Current tuberculosis test.
- CPR/First Aid Certification.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using alcohol and drugs, and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene, health and safety practices. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client's use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal hygiene. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in an office setting. Sometimes work may become stressful when working under pressure. The employee may be subjected to outside environmental conditions, including accessing areas inhabited by homeless persons that may be inhospitable and often difficult to access because of uneven or harsh terrain.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In the course of performing the job, this position typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs, driving, carrying (20lbs), lifting (20lbs), operating a computer keyboard, and making and receiving telephone calls. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee may be subjected to outside environmental conditions, including accessing areas inhabited by homeless persons that may be inhospitable and often difficult to access because of uneven or harsh terrain The employee must be able to tolerate being outdoors in all types of weather for several hours at a time.
5Cities Homeless Coalition is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, the presence of any physical or mental disability (except where such is a bona fide occupational qualification), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
As with all positions at 5Cities Homeless Coalition, the employee filling this position is expected to work with a diverse workforce, optimize your personal performance, work safely at all times, willingly collaborate with your coworkers and supervisors to work more efficiently and effectively. You are expected to add your talents and ideas toward attaining our Mission: strengthening our community by mobilizing resources, fostering hope, and advocating for the unhoused and those facing homelessness.