Community Support Counselor

General Description

Under the direction of the Community Support Counselor Supervisor and the Manager of Crisis Services, this position will work with community partners to provide case management services to support victims and families dealing with violence, homicides, mental health, family trouble, domestic violence, homelessness, and other related crises. May occasionally need to work evenings, weekends, overnights and holidays. Proficiency in speaking and writing Spanish is a plus. Performs related work as required.

This is a Competitive Class position. The individual selected to fill this vacancy will be given a provisional appointment and will be required to participate in the next Civil Service Examination for this title.

A qualified applicant may be provisionally appointed and serve in the position until a Civil Service Examination is administered and an appropriate eligible list can be established to make a permanent appointment in accordance with the Civil Service Rule of Three. (See "http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589935786" Provisional Appointment - FAQ's) If you are already a City employee and have permanent, competitive status in your current position and appointment to this title would result in a provisional appointment in another department, you will lose your previous permanent competitive rights.

Typical Work Activities

• Partner closely with the Crisis Intervention staff following up on cases that require case management needs;
• Assess clients’ physical and mental wellness, needs, preferences and abilities;
• Meet with clients, at a location of their choosing, to assess their needs, inform them of their options, and develop plans to improve clients physical and mental well-being;
• Provides direct assistance services including counseling, advocacy, intervention, facilitation and other program allowable services;
• Provide testimony at court hearings, as required;
• Advocate for clients access to community resources;
• Follow-up with discharged clients to ensure they are satisfied with services and still in good physical and mental health;
• Establish, maintain, and enhance cooperative relationships with local service providers and City officials to assist victims of crime, the homeless, and other City residents experiencing a crisis;
• Participate in public outreach, community initiatives, and strategic planning educational campaigns on the needs of victims of crime, the homeless, and those experiencing a crisis;
• Communicate with City and community resource officials regarding the needs of clients;
• Handle confidential information in accordance with HIPAA, state and federal confidentiality rules.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent, PLUS:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling, Human Services, Sociology or Social Work or other closely related field;

• Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, Human Services, Sociology or Social Work or other closely related field; PLUS two (2) years’ experience in case management, crisis intervention, or direct service to vulnerable population.

• Associate’s Degree in Counseling, Human Services, Sociology or Social Work or other closely related field; PLUS four (4) years’ experience in case management, crisis intervention, or direct service to vulnerable population.

• Six (6) years’ experience as described above.

For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.