Social Support Services Specialist chez City of Cleveland, OH

About the Department

Research shows that unaddressed trauma and toxic stress can negatively affect learning, behavior, social/emotional and physical health over the course of a lifetime. 

The City of Cleveland believes that by creating a network of support for our youth and their families and providing them access to resources and critical services, we can help our residents build resilience, promote healing and wellness, and provide them the tools they need to thrive and live quality lives. The City's recreation centers serve as a hub of activity and support for many of our youth and their families. The city is engaged in an effort to transform our (22) recreation centers into trauma-informed care Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Centers (NRRCs) - places where our youth and families can readily acquire the support and services they need in an environment in which trauma-informed care principles are fully embedded in the fabric of the organization's culture. 

As a part of the city's efforts to transform the recreation centers into trauma-informed care NRRCs we seek to staff our NRRCs with trained social workers and/or counselors who will provide direct services to our residents and assist them in accessing the resources and support services they require to respond to life's challenges and live healthy and productive lives. The city will employ a team of trained social workers and/or counselors that will serve as Social Support Services Specialists. 

Position Duties

Under administrative direction, coordinates and supervises all phases of designated program and project development and administration. Assists with or performs special projects as assigned. Provides training and technical assistance within and outside of the department as directed. Prepares and delivers presentations. Plans, develops, and administers projects and programs within a work unit. Reviews and evaluates program/project impact. Identifies project resources, requirements, methods, impact, and techniques. Prepares funding proposals and government reports. Monitors program contracts for compliance with terms and specifications. Conducts field site visits as necessray. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A High School Diploma or G.E.D. is required. A Bachelor's Degree in Business/Public Administration or related field from an accredited four year college or university is preferred. Three years of full time paid progressively responsible management/supervisory experience in program and/or project development is required. Should be proficient in computer and software applications (Microsoft Office Suites) and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required.

Other Qualifications

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Report directly to an assigned Social Support Services Supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with other city administrative and operations departments, in accordance with city policies.
• Provide client-centered trauma-informed care, assess client needs, and coordinate referrals for services.
• Collaborate with NRRC and other city staff, and external partners to deliver programs that address adverse childhood experiences, and/or support identified goals of PIOYYA.
• Provide crisis intervention, short-term supportive counseling and other services as deemed by their license and credentials.
• Conduct educational presentations participate in outreach events for community, and support all PIOYYA and violence prevention programs.
• Perform data entry, maintain thorough and accurate records and statistics, and provide regular impact data and reports.
• Under administrative direction, coordinates and supervises all phases of designated program and project development and administration.
• Assist with or perform special projects as assigned.
• Provide training and technical assistance within and outside of the department as directed.
• Prepare and deliver presentations.
• Plan, develop, and administer projects and programs within a work unit.
• Review and evaluate program/project impact.
• Identify project resources, requirements, methods, impact, and techniques. 
• Conduct field site visits as necessary.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.


ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
• Work collaboratively with NRRC staff to identify youth and adults exhibiting signs and symptoms related to trauma and/or toxic stress; and provides appropriate support.
• Provide crisis intervention, short-term supportive counseling and other services.
• Conduct screenings and assesses clients with mental/behavioral health needs and coordinates referrals for services;
• Facilitate psycho-educational support groups for individuals to learn to assess their own needs.
• Establish linkages with external health providers to facilitate referrals.
• Support and guide youth on personal matters (i.e., stigmatization, scapegoating, labeling, bullying, substance abuse, unhealthy relationships and behaviors).
• Conduct individual and small group counseling short-term sessions.
• Identify and institute Tier 1 - 3 interventions for youth exhibiting mild to serious behavioral or social-emotional problems that may develop into or constitute a chronic condition.
• Work with families to address issues related to the root causes of trauma or toxic-stress symptoms surfacing in their children.
• Engage in service coordination and collaborates with community providers including local hospitals, schools, social service agencies, etc.
• Advocate on behalf of clients for public entitlements (including SNAP, Social Security, and Medicaid) with systems and other agencies, where necessary.
• Provide information and referrals for services such as medical/hospital-related, shelters, long¬ term counseling, public assistance and other entitlements.
• Facilitate the linkage of clients to mental health providers.
• Conduct prevention education workshops to students and to the community at large to increase awareness of pertinent issues and harm reduction/prevention strategies.
• Conduct educational presentations and trainings for NRRC staff and patrons; participate in outreach events for community groups. 
• Complete and maintain appropriate paperwork; perform data entry into a computerized keeping system and maintain thorough and accurate records.
• Participate in departmental meetings.
• Participate in outreach/tabling events hosted by the city, NRRCs and external partners/community groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS
• A High School Diploma or G.E.D. is required. 
• A Bachelor's Degree in Business/Public Administration or related field from an accredited four year college or university is preferred.
• Three years of full time paid experience in program/project development is required.
• Should be proficient in computer and software applications (Microsoft Office Suite) and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required.
 
 
DEPARTMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS
• A Bachelor's Degree in social work, counseling or related field from an accredited four-year college or university is required. 
• Three years of full time paid progressively responsible experience in program and/or project development is required.
• Should be proficient in computer and software applications (Microsoft Office Suite) and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• LSW, LISW, LPC, or LPCC preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling or related field is required. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Sophisticated knowledge and understanding of trauma informed care approach and principles.
• Knowledgeable about evidence-based interventions, common factors and emerging trends for effective treatment of trauma and toxic stress.
• Comfort and ability to work with a wide range of people in diverse environments.

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