Community Services Assistant

Full Job Description

Community Services Assistant

Under general supervision, provides counseling, guidance, education, rehabilitation and/or supportive services in a program designed to improve the socio-economic conditions of the citizens of the City of Detroit, and performs investigations and research.

Requirements

Interviews program participants to obtain background information, conduct assessments, and determine eligibility and the nature and extent of services required.Counsels participants on program requirements and services.Determines the most effective method for providing service to non-routine participants or those with special requirements and explains available options.Refers participants to other agencies or programs for specialized services.Follows up on referrals and maintains data on the number of clients referred.Administers, scores and interprets standardized aptitude or psychological tests.Performs community outreach to inform the public and other service providers of agency objectives and activities.Conducts detailed investigations through interviews and research of files, reports findings, and maintains related records.

Prepares case files of participants interviewed.Maintains contacts with public and private social service agencies to obtain information on referrals.Attends professional meetings and conferences designed to improve and update knowledge and skills related to service delivery.Prepares charts and graphs, summaries, analyses and reports.Prepares information for use by superiors, commissions or special committees.Creates or writes informational pamphlets, brochures and posters.Responds to inquires from the public and other municipal or regulatory agencies.

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences, education, psychology, guidance and counseling or related field.

One year of experience in case work, group work, individual and group counseling and guidance, social research or community or public relations.Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted to meet the education and experience requirements of this position.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesStrong skills in written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational communication.

Proficient skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).Ability to take initiative, be a strong communicator, engage actively in discussion, and remain intellectually agile.

Able to work well with state and city personnel, health care professionals, and the general public.

Individual Core Competencies: Analytical/Assessment SkillsInterprets quantitative and qualitative data.Identifies assets and resources that can be used for improving the health of a community (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, public libraries, hospitals, faith-based organizations, academic institutions, federal grants, fellowship programs).

Communication SkillsCommunicates in writing and orally with linguistic and cultural proficiency (e.g., using age-appropriate materials, incorporating images).Selects approaches for disseminating public health data and information (e.g., social media, newspapers, newsletters, journals, town hall meetings, libraries, neighborhood gatherings).Conveys data and information to professionals and the public using a variety of approaches (e.g., reports, presentations, email, letters, and press interviews).

Cultural Competency SkillsEnsures the diversity of individuals and populations is addressed in policies, programs, and services that affect the health of a community.Advocates for a diverse public health workforce.

Community Dimensions of Practice SkillsEngages community members to improve health in a community (e.g., input in developing and implementing community health assessments and improvement plans, feedback about programs and services).Uses community input for developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving policies, programs, and services.

Leadership and Systems ThinkingAdvocates for the role of public health in providing population health services.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:Valid State of Michigan Operator License.

Employees in the class will be required to provide and operate a motor vehicle on a reimbursed mileage basis.Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Check.

Additional Information Evaluation PlanInterview: 70%Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%Additional points may be awarded for:Veteran Points: 0 – 15 pointsDetroit Residency Credit: 15 points03/31/2023