In partnership with Eliot, the City of Lynn is piloting a new unarmed crisis response program. The Lynn Calm Team (LCT) is an exciting, evidence-informed program rooted in harm reduction and trauma-informed principles that will provide crisis response services to non-violent quality of life and behavioral health and/or homelessness issues and concerns in a compassionate, culturally relevant way. As the vendor for the (LCT), Eliot Human Services seeks qualified applicants who are passionate about advancing racial equity to support this vital program as a Community Support Specialist. This is a full time position.
It is anticipated that services are provided primarily in the field, initially in downtown Lynn and eventually across the entire City. Services will be provided both by walking and driving. Additional administrative work will be required, and an office will be provided at Eliot Human Services 95 Pleasant Street location.
Qualifications:
Experience working with vulnerable communities in Lynn or a similar community.
Lived experience with issues facing vulnerable communities in Lynn is essential for this position.
Must have skills and experience in establishing supportive relationships to persons with mental illnesses, those who are unhoused, undocumented folks, individuals with issues such as substance use disorder and/or those who need other services.
Must be able to approach the work with impartiality and compassion and with respect for client's preferences for treatment/services.
Strong conflict resolution, de-escalation and communication skills are needed and evidence of those skills is preferred.
Knowledge of community resources in Lynn and/or surrounding communities.
Flexible, reliable, and available for evening and/or weekends.
Must have reliable transportation to and from work and for providing services in the community.
Must be proficient in English and fluent in Spanish and have the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with clients, staff and other service providers. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, especially racially diverse communities and cultural groups.
Responsibilities:
Respond in person or by phone to requests for assistance with individuals experiencing issues with mental and behavioral health, homelessness, addiction, chronic mental illness, minor disputes and other issues that do not require police or EMT response.
Connect community members in need with available services based on individual choice and clinical assessment.
Facilitate warm handoffs to other services as needed.
Work collaboratively with other responders and other community service providers to mediate and de-escalate conflict and dispute situations; work effectively to provide therapeutic interventions in crisis situations and in sometimes stressful conditions.
Build community trust and confidence in the LCT among BIPOC, low-income, and marginalized populations, including modeling a social justice, anti-racism approach to situations; build positive relationships with community members with frequent needs for emergency services; provide proactive, preventive services where feasible.
Establish and foster trusting relationships with clients and families, support and educate them on accessing the behavioral health system based upon need. Provide overviews of programs and care coordination available.
Provide "second response" follow-up to individuals who experienced crises, and others potentially affected by that crisis, to assess if and how further support might be extended.
Empower individuals to access services and connect to opportunities and provide advocacy, support, and education during response and throughout service delivery.
Respect the diversity of others by demonstrating and modeling cultural awareness and sensitivity at all times.
Compensation: $60,000.000
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
All applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, familial status, genetic information, or any other status prohibited by law.
Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Eliot is committed to identifying and dismantling barriers that prevent people with marginalized racial identities from actualizing their full employment potential, assuming leadership roles, or from fully engaging at all levels in the workplace.