Human Services Specialist II - CRIA Specialist

About the Role

The CRIA Specialist provides information on a myriad of programs and services in response to specific inquiries from residents and community-based organizations. Using an updated resource file and database, the specialist links individuals in need of information and/or services to appropriate resources. The role also involves representing the Information and Referral team at training, community meetings, events, and other venues as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assessing and diagnosing an individual’s human service problems and needs.
• Identifying appropriate resources, exploring options, and assisting individuals in solving problems as appropriate.
• Creating action plans for clients and providing follow-up and monitoring to ensure compliance.
• Providing early identification and intervention for client concerns.
• Providing crisis intervention for walk-in clients as necessary and redirecting them to proper resources.
• Assessing clients for benefit qualifications and assisting with applications to access programs.
• Preparing client records for Peerplace or related databases and running reports as needed.
• Advocating on behalf of individuals when necessary.
• Facilitating coordination between formal and informal resources in execution of plans.
• Providing short-term case management, care coordination, and/or options counseling.
• Training volunteers to provide information and referral services.
• Other duties as required.

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.
• Valid driver's license issued by the State of residence.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, as well as organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to apply critical thinking to respond effectively to situations.
• Ability to work successfully with clients on a person-centered level and empower them in the constructive use of their own capabilities.
• Knowledge of aging, health, intellectual disability, mental illness, trauma, and other problems and processes that affect development.
• Knowledge of social problems that affect functioning, such as current social, economic, and health problems, including specialized needs of older adults, poverty, drug addiction, and related dynamics.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work with frequent interruptions.
• Knowledge of human services systems, community resources, and referral processes.
• Experience working in support of people with diverse educational, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work with people of all backgrounds and sensitivity to challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and/or unstable housing situations with complex presentations, including chronic trauma.
• Ability to interact constructively and work in harmony with diverse community interests.
• High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work.
• Ability to function well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or other related field.
• AIRS (Alliance of Information & Referral Systems) certification as a Community Resource Specialist Aging/Disabilities (CRS-A/D).
• Fluency in Spanish, Amharic, Korean, Farsi, or Dari.
• At least one (1) year of experience with the Peerplace Database.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety, and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with flexibility for some nights and weekends as needed.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; verification of education/certifications; drug screening; and driver's license.