Director of Community Services

Description

Full-time, Exempt position

$31.25 per hour; 40 hours per week

Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm

Overall responsibility for operation of the Family Development Center [FDC], including outreach activities. Oversees case management services to eligible participants in self-sufficiency programs and other programs assigned to the FDC. Services include but are not limited to outreach, intake, screening, assessment, referrals, monitoring and recordkeeping. Cultivates and maintains effective relationships with Local, State and Federal agencies, network partnerships and community groups. Oversees and performs the implementation of a collaborative process which engages the client in defined activities and identifies resources to support customers in their transition toward self-sufficiency for all agency customers. Manages and oversees contract compliance and utilization management of all client-based documentation. 

• Provides overall leadership, oversight, and coordination for all programs operating under the umbrella of the Family Development Center. Ensures programs are effectively implemented, aligned with organizational goals, and in compliance with applicable funding requirements, policies, an regulations.
• Provides strategic leadership, ensuring effective program operations, quality services delivery, regulatory and contractual compliance, staff accountability, and alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Directs and conducts outreach activities to identify eligible program participants.
• Coordinates and conducts eligibility intake services at the point of entry. 
• Directs the needs assessment process, ensuring case plans are developed in partnership with the customer, based on customer strengths and weaknesses. Monitors that specific goals for the customer are identified and outlined in service plans.
• Oversees referrals to community partners providing supportive services, based on client needs and services offered. Utilizes network partnerships to assist clients in gaining access to services and works to remove barriers to program participation.
• Supports staff in the ongoing case management process; monitors and tracks measurable program outcomes using a timely and efficient process, documenting the customer’s incremental progress towards achieving goals across multiple domains (i.e. housing, education, employment, etc…).
• Ensures confidential client database and files are maintained in compliance with internal and external reporting requirements. Ensures all program reporting is submitted on a timely and accurate basis.
• Collaborates with community partners /service providers and public agencies to create a network of comprehensive supportive services including employment/training, parenting, education, housing, and health programs. Serves as an ongoing liaison for assigned programs.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of community resources and needs, including statistical data and projections.
• Has direct knowledge of the Homeless System including RAP, RRP, Emergency Shelters, warming centers, shared apartments, housing navigators and rental assistance programs.
• Provides leadership to the staff in maintaining productive community relationships.
• Maintains and supports Advisory Committee.
• Ensures building and grounds are clean, safe and conducive to the work of the FDC.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

B.A degree or an A.S in Human Services, with 3 years additional years of experience administering and supervising case management services and developing community partnerships

Experience:

4 years' experience administering case management services and supervision

Other combinations of education and experience which demonstrate a candidate’s ability to perform the above services may meet the requirements of this position.

Job Skills:

Knowledge of relevant State and Federal agency programs, including eligibility and reporting requirements

Knowledge of community needs and resources; ability to maintain productive community relationships

Supervisory skills; project management, conflict resolution and crisis management skills

Oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills

Customer service, organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to multi-task

Ability to counsel clients with respect and dignity; tenacity and commitment to program goals

Recordkeeping, math and computer skills 

Bi-lingual a plus; ability to work with diverse populations

Licenses /Certifications:

Current CT Drivers license /CT required insurance/ own transportation

Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Vacation Time
• Personal Time
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay

New Opportunities' mission is to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals by providing the necessary resources to increase their standard of living, foster self-improvement, and maximize self-empowerment.

New Opportunities Inc. is the community action agency that serves Waterbury, Meriden, Torrington and 22 surrounding Connecticut towns. We offer a variety of social service programs designed to eliminate poverty and assist people in need.

Headquartered in Waterbury and the cities fourth largest employer, New Opportunities has additional offices in Meriden, Torrington, Danbury and Thomaston for the convenience of those they serve. Annually, more than 61,000 individuals benefit from programs offered at this agency, guided by the New Opportunities staff who helped them find the way to meet their needs.

In accordance with the mission of New Opportunities, the Agency aims to increase the self-sufficiency of its customers and support their move out of poverty toward a more middle-class lifestyle.

In 1964, the Agency incorporated as a private non-profit corporation in the State of Connecticut and is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization. With an annual budget for 2014 in excess of $41 million dollars, New Opportunities administers more than 50 social service programs targeted to the low-income, elderly and disabled communities.

While the range of programs is broad, they fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Energy Assistance
• Fatherhood Initiative
• Child Welfare and Family Development Services
• Early Childhood Education Programs
• Elderly Services
• Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing
• Ex-Offender Programs and Re-entry Services

EOE/AA/Veteran/Disability