Rural Outreach Specialist – Louisa, VA

Description

The Rural Outreach Specialist administers the programs in Louisa County that assist low-income individuals and families with emergency needs such as housing and/or utility payments. The Rural Outreach Specialist will also partner with other agencies and organizations to ensure clients are referred appropriately to services and programs that can support them. In addition, he/she also supports and promotes the mission, vision, and values of the Agency.

Job Duties

The following reflects typical responsibilities but should not be considered all-encompassing. Other duties considered appropriate for this job may be added by the Rural Outreach Director as needed.

1. Provide high-quality client services using effective case management techniques including intake, comprehensive assessment of individual and family needs, direct services and referrals, follow-up, and record-keeping/data entry;
2. Promote MACAA within the Louisa community to ensure the agency’s programs and services are well-known, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of residents;
3. Assist in fundraising efforts within the community;
4. Empower individuals and families, through service provision and referrals, to become self-reliant and achieve individualized goals;
5. Ensure that program goals and objectives are met by overseeing all aspects of program activities and daily operations; and,
6. Other duties as assigned.

Skills Required

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:

Education

• Minimum of a high school diploma (or the equivalent), an associate’s degree in a human services related field or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience

• At least two years’ experience in direct service human services.
• Financial counseling experience preferred.

General

• Knowledge of the vision and mission of the agency;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Skill in the use of computer technology including Microsoft Office and database systems;
• Skill in training techniques appropriate for adult learners;
• Strong case management and/or human development skills with the ability to discern the full range of client needs and motivations;
• Skill in oral and written communications;
• Ability to work independently without close supervision;
• Ability to relate to and communicate with persons of low income and from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds;
• Ability to enlist the willing cooperation of others;
• Ability to analyze issues and to use sound judgement; and,
• Sensitivity to the needs of individuals experiencing low income and the ability to understand and address the causes and conditions of poverty utilizing an asset-based approach

Additional Info

• Position requires occasional night and weekend work.
• Position requires a valid Virginia driver’s license, automobile insurance coverage, and access to reliable transportation.
• Mandated reporting laws require that professionals who deal with children report suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services. Within his/her professional or official capacity, if the Rural Outreach Specialist has reason to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, he/she shall report the matter immediately to the local Department of Social Services.