Self-Sufficiency Specialist

Job Summary:

Utilizing the Mobility Mentoring® model and Motivational Interviewing strategies, the Specialist will be responsible for providing coaching and support to individuals working towards sustainability, identified through specific assessments to meet self-identified goals and needs.  The Specialist will collaborate with participants to create an individual or family goal action plans, assist in making connections to community resources, help participants and families navigate community systems, assist families in growing their support network and provide capacity building opportunities to enhance skills in areas such as family stability, well-being, financial management, education and training, and employment and career.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct needs assessment interviews with individuals upon entrance into Self-Sufficiency services to assist individuals in identifying immediate/urgent needs to support plan development.
2. Develop a goal action plan that utilizes assessments and self-identified strengths and goals determined by individuals to enhancing life skills such as family stability, well-being, financial management, education and training, and employment and career.
3. Provide coaching and support in an NCHS approved setting such as a NCHS office, in the participant’s home or an agreed upon neutral location based on the goal action plan and individualized needs. 
4. Maintain timely and appropriate contact with all participants by means of meeting in the individual’s home, in a NCHS office , through phone contact, or other approved correspondence.
5. Develop, update, and maintain an active referral network guide to assist participants with access to a variety of community agencies/resources.
6. Perform various functions of outreach to inform community agencies  of Self-Sufficiency services through Nebraska Children’s Home Society.
7. Participate regularly on appropriate Community Collaborative Work Groups aligned with the mission and programs of Nebraska Children’s Home Society.
8. Monitor, update and document ongoing referrals and resources for participants.
9. Participate with Children and Family Center Director in regular ongoing reflective supervision meetings.
10. Develop and maintain accurate and timely documentation to effectively demonstrate outcomes regarding services, referrals and resources provided and participant goals achieved.
11. Participate in continuous quality improvement activities.
12. Collaborate and work across NCHS programs to make and accept program referrals appropriately to meet the needs of the participant.

Supplemental Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Commitment to NCHS mission, vision, and values.
2. Commitment to NCHS CQI initiatives and strategic goals.
3. Facilitate and maintain a professional and cooperative relationship with NCHS team members and community partners.
4. Participation in agency committees.
5. Completion of ongoing agency-required and specific position-related training.
6. Ongoing compliance with program fidelity and funding requirements.
7. Positive representation of NCHS in all community settings.
8. Demonstration of respect, appreciation, and sensitivity for diversity.
9. Other duties as assigned by the Children and Family Center Director.

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field required
• Two years of experience working with individuals and families, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to connect with and engage individuals and community professionals
• Knowledge of community resources such as financial assistance, housing, transportation, food security and other material assistance
• Capacity to interpret and abide by NCHS policies and procedures
• Ability to manage multiple demands
• Ability to problem solve complex issues
• Possess high quality written and verbal skills
• Knowledge of computer operations
• Ability to work independently and manage time and duties
• Possession of a vehicle with required licensing and insurance coverage for travel to family homes, meetings, and community agencies
• Ability to effectively document activities, services, referrals, and outcomes in a timely manner

Physical Demand:

• Regularly required to speak and hear, walk, climb, sit, use hand and fingers to operate, handle or feel objects and equipment
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle
• Ability to enter family homes or buildings with different types of entrances and structures
• Ability to lift 20 pounds

Schedule Demands (travel, adjustments to accommodate clients, weekends/evenings, etc.):

• Ability to adjust normal work schedule to accommodate the needs of individuals and families, including possible evening and weekend hours.
• Attend appropriate community collaborative meetings that complement the mission and vision of NCHS and expand partnerships and services

Site Factors (environment, travel, etc.):

•  Work is completed in an office setting, in individual or family homes, or remotely. 

Local travel is required

Note:  The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of those that will be encountered by a person performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Salary/Wage: $20.00-$22.00/hour

Benefits and Perks of Working at NCHS:

• We observe 9 paid holidays each calendar year
• NCHS offers generous and flexible vacation
• As advocates for mental health, we offer 5 well being days each year
• We understand the importance of family. We are flexible and offer additional paid time for sick, bereavement, or new child leave needs for you and your family.
• Fair and equal pay is important to us.
• NCHS contributes 5% of your salary after one year of employment towards your 401k; full vestment after 5 years.
• Referral bonuses for employees who refer qualified candidates
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• We offer 5 free counseling sessions each year through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career development

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit https://www.nchs.org/careers, locate this position, and click on "Apply Now" beneath the job description to complete the online application form. The application must be completed in full and submitted by the specified closing date for consideration.