Community Support Specialist

Position Overview

Family Houston is seeking a compassionate, relationship driven Community Support Specialist to provide direct support to children, youth, adults, and families by connecting them to community resources, public benefits, and supportive services that promote long term stability and self-sufficiency.

The ideal candidate has experience working with diverse populations, including parents, students, and individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This position requires strong outreach and engagement skills, the ability to build meaningful relationships, and a commitment to empowering individuals and families through a strength based, trauma informed approach.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach and Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with students, parents, families, school staff, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct outreach to identify individuals and families in need of support and increase awareness of Family Houston programs and services.
• Participate in community events, resource fairs, workshops, and outreach activities.
• Maintain a visible, welcoming, and professional presence within assigned service locations.
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with schools, community organizations, and service providers to strengthen the network of support available to clients.

Resource Navigation and Benefits Assistance

• Assist individuals and families in accessing community resources and public benefits, including SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, Texas Health Women, and Harris Health Gold Card.
• Guide clients through the application process and ensure applications are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
• Connect clients to housing resources, food assistance, healthcare, employment services, financial assistance, and other supportive services.
• Follow up with clients to ensure they receive services and benefits for which they are eligible.

Case Management and Family Support

• Conduct client assessments to identify immediate and long term needs.
• Develop individualized service plans that promote self sufficiency and family stability.
• Provide ongoing case management, coaching, advocacy, and referrals.
• Utilize a strengths based and trauma informed approach to empower clients to achieve their goals.
• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to coordinate comprehensive services.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records, case notes, and service documentation using electronic case management systems.
• Track services, outcomes, and program metrics in accordance with agency policies, grant requirements, and funding expectations.
• Complete all required reports and documentation within established timeframes.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with organizational and funding standards.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Education, or a related field preferred. Equivalent work experience will be considered.

Experience

• Previous experience working with students, parents, and families required.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability preferred.
• Community outreach and engagement experience strongly preferred.
• Experience providing case management, resource navigation, or social services preferred.

Certifications

• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification preferred.
• Candidates who are not currently certified must be willing and able to obtain Community Health Worker certification within nine months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public benefits, community resources, and trauma informed practices preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish rapport and build trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams and community partners.
• Experience using electronic case management and documentation systems, with the ability to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Forms.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain documentation in accordance with agency policies, grant requirements, and program standards.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required.

Work Environment

This position may be assigned to schools, community centers, partner locations, or Family Houston offices based on program needs. Travel between service sites is required. Evening or weekend hours may be necessary to support outreach activities, community events, workshops, and other program initiatives.

Compensation

Benefits

This is an hourly non-exempt role with an hourly range of $22 - $24/ per hour. Family Houston offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment dedicated to strengthening families and communities.