Human Services Specialist II

Service Navigator Liaison

(2 Openings)

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Human Services Specialist II/ Service Navigator Liaison position.

An Overview

This American Rescue Plan Act grant funded position will have a visible and consistent presence in the community and organizations that serve those who need assistance with accessing a range of public and private human services. The incumbent will establish working relationships and frequent interactions with City and community-based service providers, and advocate and intervene on behalf of individuals seeking services when there are questions or issues arise. The Service Navigator Liaison will participate in the planning, organization and implementation of outreach presentations, conduct environmental scans and assessment to determine barriers to human services and other community resources. The ultimate aim is to improve access to services, address systemic barriers and to support the economic mobility of residents. The supervision and assignments for this position will be provided by the Food Security Coordinator.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have the ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations; Ability to work effectively with students having emotional, social, family, behavioral, alcohol/drug or other related problems; Ability to lead skills building, leadership and/or mentorship groups with youth; Ability to replicate evidence-based youth development programs; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, parents, co-workers, community partners and the general public; Ability to work in a community-based setting; Ability to provide guidance and assistance to volunteers; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other professionals and with the general public, both orally and in writing; Ability to track and enter data accurately; Good knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development; Good knowledge of adolescent risk behaviors, including substance use; Good knowledge of area health, legal, social and other services.

The Opportunity

• Establish trusting relationships with City partners and using a person-center approach assist with the identification and prioritization of needed support, services, and resources.
• Keeps abreast of all available human services offered by City and community-based agencies, become familiar with operational practices and requirements and develop contacts within those public and private resources and make referrals as appropriate.
• Assist organizations in their efforts to obtain services and needed resources (including local, state and federal benefits).
• Facilitate access and connection to community resources, including locating food services, rental assistance needs, school programs, vocational opportunities, behavioral health, and other social services.
• Maintain comprehensive participants files, documenting all activities and contacts with or on behalf of participants.
• Conduct community resource scan to identify gaps and barriers.
• Maintain and report appliable statistics regarding programs and client services and submit reports as required by the funding agency.
• Collaborate with the program research and evaluation process and assist with the collection of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Maintain working relationship with the City’s service navigation network.
• Serve on committees, task forces and other similar work groups.
• Participate in the local listening and learning sessions and other relevant meetings as directed.
• Perform other duties and related work as required

About the Department

The Center for Economic Support provides programs and services for Public Benefits, Community Services, and Employment and Training. Our mission is to provide direct services to City of Alexandria residents in need of temporary assistance with food, shelter, employment and State medical assistance as they strive toward self-sufficiency.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence.

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual (English/Spanish) or (English/Amharic). Demonstrated commitment to serving individuals with a variety of challenges, to include some background in advocacy, crisis intervention or case management. An ability to problem-solve and manage multiple projects individually or with a team. Readiness to have a flexible work schedule and commitment to evenings and weekends. Demonstrated cultural competency and understanding and experience applying racial equity lens; knowledge and experience of person-centered practices and motivational interviewing; demonstrated knowledge of community resources related to the participant needs. Professional written and verbal communication as well as interpersonal skills; competent in utilizing computer MS Suite, Outlook, Teams, and case management software.

Notes

This is a two-year grant-funded position. This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: Criminal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Verification of education/certifications; and Driver's license.

Schedule: Flexible week-day schedule to accommodate presence and participation in evening and weekend meetings and events.