What are the responsibilities and job description for the LT - Community Support Specialist position at City of Shoreline, WA?
GENERAL SUMMARY
Shoreline is an inclusive City that endeavors to build a work culture which embraces diversity, encourages participation, and promotes equity.
NOTE This a two-year Term-Limited position with an expected end date of December 2026.
GENERAL SUMMARY
The City of Shoreline is hiring two half-time (0.5FTE) Community Support Specialists to provide information and referrals to Shoreline community members who are seeking human services support, such as financial assistance or other social services. This position will provide limited short-term assistance to individuals who may need a “warm hand-off” in navigating social services systems. The position is in the Community Services department and Human Services program and will work closely with the Housing and Human Services Program Manager. The Community Support Specialist role will support program-related record keeping, reports, and other written documents, and work with community-based organizations to coordinate access to services.
The recommendations in the City’s Human Services Strategic Plan, which was completed in April 2024, prioritized equity and access in the areas of basic needs; counseling/behavioral health; and housing and homelessness. The successful candidate will be experienced navigating social services resources and advocating for individuals in accessing services, especially with diverse populations and communities most negatively impacted by systemic barriers, including limited English speakers, recent immigrant/refugees, people with disabilities, older adults, and those who are unhoused and/or low-income. In this role, they will also support Shoreline City Council’s Resolutions 401 and 467 which state the City’s values to building a welcoming and anti-racist community where everyone feels included and can thrive.
DEFINITIONProvide community members information and referrals to human services programs and give limited, short-term direct assistance to those who need support in accessing resources. Provide support for human services programs and administrative activities.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from supervisory or management staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
- Respond to public inquiries and provide requested information or refer as appropriate.
- Provide direct assistance to individuals in need of support to access various community resources, such as researching programs available, eligibility, and application process.
- Document, track, monitor and analyze program inquiries to provide reports and summaries of services and assistance provided.
- Create, update, and maintain a comprehensive list of community resources.
- Collect and analyze data on service utilization to inform program improvement.
- Build and maintain connections with local human service agencies in order to provide better assistance to Shoreline residents.
- Provide outreach to local organizations on services provided by the City.
- Represent the City of Shoreline on local human services committees, groups, and organizations.
- Conduct outreach to raise awareness about available services and resources, including presenting at community events and distributing informational materials.
- Support human services research, analysis, and program and project reports, such as financial and budget reports, briefing papers, council staff reports, policies, ordinances, and grants.
- Support presentations and recommendations to City Council as needed.
- Coordinate and facilitate project team meetings or staff meetings as needed.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Basic structure, operations and functioning of local government and nonprofit groups; especially related to human services.
- Operations and activities of community-based social services organizations.
- General understanding of various human services program eligibility requirements and documentation.
- Principles and practices of program development and implementation.
- Methods and techniques of public speaking and presentations.
- Advocacy and support for diverse populations, such as older adults; immigrant/refugee youth and families; low-income communities; LGBTQIA communities; and people with disabilities.
- Work directly with community members in need of support to access resources.
- Respond effectively to requests and inquiries from the general public that may require empathy and problem-solving.
- Identify and respond to community and political issues, concerns and needs, that may be sensitive in nature.
- Participate and work effectively in an organization committed to advancing principles and practices of equity and anti-racism.
- Utilize computer programs such as word processing, desktop publishing software, and social media for assigned work.
- Establish and maintain partnerships and relationships with groups and individuals.
- Communicate in Spanish or other language spoken in Shoreline, highly desired, but not required.
- Learn City organizational structure, operations, policies and objectives.
- Learn and support use of the City's electronic contract routing platform.
- Learn and summarize broad array of funding opportunities across multiple sectors.
- Effectively communicate with Shoreline residents w
- Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
- Interpret and administer policies and procedures to staff and public.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Note:
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing state/federal pre-employment background checks
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The City's mission is to fulfill the community’s vision through highly valued public service. Our employees work relentlessly to achieve organizational goals while embracing the City’s values. City Mission, Values, and Goals
Application Process:
To demonstrate skills and interest, please complete the application and provide answers to the Supplemental Questions which will help us determine your qualifications for the job. (This application does NOT allow for attachments.)
- All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
- All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
- This position requires completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment.
Environmental Conditions:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens; extensive contact with the public.
Physical Conditions:
Essential and marginal functions may require sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; extensive use of computer keyboard; near visual acuity for working on the computer.
Employees Working Remotely: The City has implemented a remote work policy that allows staff to work up to three remote days a week, however during the 6-month probationary period it is expected that all work will be performed at City Hall. The schedule for this part time position will be mutually agreed upon but will have some mandatory in-office days. Full-time remote work is not an option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application or interview process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. To request an accommodation, please call (206) 801-2243.
