Community Resource Specialist

Summary/Objective

This position is the Agency’s direct contact with persons seeking assistance with crisis and emergency needs. This position will greet clients, answer phones, and provide direct services to families and individuals by assisting in application completion, gathering of documents, prescreening for program eligibility, and data entry for households seeking services from CAN.

Essential Functions

• Interview clients (in the office, at outreach locations, or partner agencies where appropriate) to gather information required to determine income and program eligibility based upon program requirements and to identify other unmet needs of the individual or family.
• Assist households in the completion of CAN’s universal application as well as SNAP application.
• Assist households in the gathering of documentation needed to determine eligibility for assistance.
• Refer individual or family internally or to other agencies.
• Enter data and scan documents in multiple management information systems based on the services for which the individual is making application.
• Completes monthly, quarterly, and annual Outreach reports and submits them to the Director of Community Resources.
• Conduct outreach activities including distributing flyers and brochures. Speak to groups and individuals about Agency programs and services.
• Be a positive role model by maintaining the highest level of professional and ethical behavior throughout your interactions with both internal and external customers. Uses technology for the completion of specified job duties.
• Attends work regularly per assigned work schedule and in accordance with Agency policy.
• Determine financial assistance to clients based on the assigned budget per service area.
• Attends and participates with in-service training specifically SNAP certification training, staff meetings, and other activities to facilitate professional development.
• Works cooperatively with others including all staff, supervisors, administrators, co-workers, community professionals, clients, vendors, and the public.
• Follows instructions and abides by Agency policies and procedures.

• Assumes other duties, responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

Secondary Functions

• Works cooperatively and effectively with Agency volunteers maximizing the volunteers’ experience while meeting the needs of the programs.
• May work at different Agency offices as designated.
• May provide coverage for the front desk as designated.

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.

• Ability to work in an office environment.
• Ability to communicate on the telephone.
• Ability to read, writes, comprehend, and speak English.
• Ability to complete tasks with numerous interruptions.
• Ability to work with little to no direct supervision.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to walk up and down stairs.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs.
• Ability to bend, lift and carry.
• Full awareness of environmental stimuli
• Full range of motion above the head.

Education Experience and Knowledge

Bachelor’s degree with major course work in social or behavioral sciences preferred, but not required.

• 2 years of data entry experience in a high pace environment.
• Must possess a current Maryland driver’s license and access to a vehicle for business use.
• May be required to use your own personal vehicle to fulfill your job-related responsibilities.
• Bilingual preferred.

Abilities and Skills:

• Requires strong data entry and organizational skills.
• Must be detailed oriented.
• Strong computer proficiency.
• Ability to understand basic math and work with numbers.
• Must be organized, flexible and dedicated to quality service delivery.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficient in technology applications.
• Demonstrate integrity and ethical standards in job performance.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and respect for people with economic challenges.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Knowledge of governmental benefits, community programs and other resources with ability to access same for the clients.

AAP/EEO Statement

Community Assistance Network is an equal opportunity employer. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

At CAN, we believe every employee should have the resources to be their best. As part of our overall rewards, we offer benefits programs designed to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle including health, dental and vision insurance. We also offer other benefits like paid time off, financial and savings programs, 401k employer matching, and access to our employee assistance program and other discounts.