Job Description

The Community Based Services(CBS) Support Specialist is responsible for providing medical transportation services, outreach, engagement, peer support, and supportive service coordination for individuals accessing services through the Center for Key Populations (CKP). The position assists clients with reducing barriers to healthcare and community services by ensuring timely access to medical appointments, behavioral health services, food and nutrition resources, support groups, and other community resources.

The Specialist conducts outreach and engagement activities, coordinates referrals, provides appointment reminders, assists with retention in care efforts, facilitates transportation coordination for support groups and community activities, and maintains accurate documentation in agency-approved data systems in compliance with organizational and funding requirements. This role supports improved health outcomes, continuity of care, client engagement, and participation in community-based service programs.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide safe and timely transportation for clients to:

Medical appointments

Behavioral health appointments

Support service appointments

Pharmacy visits and other approved service-related appointments

Peer support group, Consumer Advisory Board meetings, and behavioral health group

• Conduct outreach and engagement activities for individuals who may be:

Newly enrolled in services

Out of care

Experiencing barriers to accessing healthcare or community resources

• Provide peer support and encouragement to clients by promoting engagement in healthcare, support services, and wellness activities.
• Assist with food ordering, meal coordination, food pantry scheduling, and food pick-up/delivery support as assigned.
• Coordinate with case managers, providers, behavioral health staff, outreach staff, and community partners to ensure continuity of care and support client needs.
• Assist clients with navigating healthcare and community-based services, including:

Food and nutrition resources

Behavioral health services

Case management services

Housing and supportive service referrals

• Coordinate transportation scheduling and logistics for:

Peer Support activities

Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) meetings

Behavioral health groups and wellness activities

Community-based events and support services

Other activities as determined by CBS Operations Manager

• Coordinate and document completed referrals for support services in accordance with agency standards.
• Provide appointment reminders and follow-up support to reduce missed appointments and improve retention in care and services.
• Maintain transportation logs and service documentation accurately and timely.
• Enter client services, transportation units, referrals, and outreach encounters into agency-approved data systems within required timelines.
• Assist with identifying barriers to care and communicate concerns to supervisors and interdisciplinary team members.
• Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, program meetings, and community activities.
• Support collaboration with community providers, shelters, behavioral health programs, hospitals, and other key points of entry.
• Encourage client engagement in community programs, support services, and wellness initiatives.
• Maintain professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed interactions with all clients and community partners.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALITFICATIONS AND PREFERRED SKILLS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Health, or related field required..
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience working in human services, outreach, transportation, healthcare, or community-based settings preferred.
• Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations preferred.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of community-based healthcare and supportive service systems preferred.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn agency data systems.
• Ability to engage diverse populations with cultural and linguistic sensitivity.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent driving and community-based travel required.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Ability to safely operate agency vehicles and transport clients.
• Work may occur in office, clinic, community, shelter, and field-based settings.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.

WORK SCHEDULE DEMANDS

• Standard weekly work schedule is based on program and client service needs.
• Weekly schedules will include evening coverage on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• Occasional weekend availability may be required for outreach activities, transportation support, community events, or special program activities.
• At times, the Community Support Specialist may need to begin the workday earlier or remain later than scheduled to accommodate client appointments, transportation needs, or urgent service coordination.
• The program may provide schedule flexibility when operationally appropriate and aligned with client needs and program coverage.
• Attendance at required trainings, staff meetings, and community events is expected.

Confidentiality of Information

Confidentiality of business information is a requirement. Confidentiality must be maintained according to CHC policies

Organization Information:

Location:

Middletown - Weitzman Building

City:

Middletown

State:

Connecticut

Time Type:

Full time