Program Specialist, Multi Services

Reports To: Multi Services Center Manager
Department: Multi Services Center
Employment Status: Part-Time, Nonexempt, Hourly
Schedule: Approximately 27.5 hours per week, based on program and community needs.

Position Summary

PRAB’s Multi Services Center, in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, connects residents with community resources, health-related support, food access, wellness activities, and social services. The bilingual Specialist provides intake, needs screening, service navigation, referrals, outreach, follow-up, and documentation. The position manages assigned Level 2 navigation cases and supports Level 3 stabilization cases under designated staff and management guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct resident intake and needs screenings; identify barriers and connect residents with appropriate PRAB programs, public benefits, health resources, and community services.
• Provide referrals and warm handoffs to partner agencies, assist with applications and appointments, and follow up on resident needs and service outcomes.
• Manage assigned Level 2 cases, support stabilization plans, participate in Level 3 cases as directed, and promptly escalate complex, urgent, or high-risk situations.
• Conduct community outreach and participate in events, workshops, food access activities, and wellness programs.
• Coordinate food access referrals and related follow-up with MSC staff, RWJBarnabas Health, and community partners.
• Maintain accurate, timely, confidential records of resident interactions, referrals, follow-ups, outcomes, and case closures using approved PRAB systems.
• Collaborate with the MSC Manager, PRAB staff, RWJBarnabas Health, and community partners; attend required meetings and training and communicate service gaps or barriers.
• Follow PRAB policies, confidentiality requirements, professional boundaries, and resident safety procedures. Refer clinical, legal, crisis, and specialized needs to qualified providers. Do not independently authorize financial assistance or provide services beyond assigned duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Intake & Service Navigation

• Welcome and assist residents with accessing services through walk-ins, referrals, outreach activities, and partner organizations.
• Conduct intake interviews, needs assessments, and screenings using approved procedures.
• Identify service needs related to housing, food access, public benefits, wellness, transportation, and other community supports.
• Provide information regarding PRAB programs and available community resources.
• Assist residents in understanding service options and next steps.
• Make referrals and warm handoffs to PRAB programs, RWJBarnabas Health, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Support residents in completing forms, applications, and documentation required to access services.

Case Management & Follow-Up

• Maintain an assigned caseload and provide ongoing navigation and follow-up services.
• Monitor resident progress and address barriers to service access.
• Assist with stabilization planning and implementation for assigned residents.
• Document referrals, activities, outcomes, and follow-up efforts in accordance with program guidelines.
• Escalate complex, urgent, or high-risk situations to the Multi Services Center Manager.
• Assist with case closures and documentation of service outcomes.

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct outreach to increase awareness of PRAB services and available community resources.
• Participate in community events, workshops, health and wellness activities, and approved outreach initiatives.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners and service providers.
• Promote engagement among underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Communicate community needs, service gaps, and emerging trends to program leadership.

Food Access Support

• Assist residents in obtaining food assistance and related support.
• Coordinate resident referrals and follow-up related to food access services.
• Participate in food distribution and community engagement activities as assigned.
• Track and document food assistance services and outcomes.
• Identify residents requiring additional support due to ongoing food insecurity.

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately document resident interactions, referrals, services, and outcomes in approved systems.
• Maintain complete, objective, and timely case notes.
• Protect confidential information and comply with all privacy and documentation requirements.
• Support data collection, reporting, quality assurance efforts, and program compliance activities.
• Ensure records are complete and sufficient to support continuity of services.

Collaboration & Team Participation

• Work collaboratively with PRAB staff, RWJBarnabas Health, and community partners.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, case reviews, and program planning activities.
• Support service coordination and effective communication among team members.
• Assist with special projects, workshops, and program activities assigned.
• Participate in cross-training initiatives to ensure service continuity.

Professional Conduct & Resident Safety

• Maintain professional boundaries and provide services in a respectful, culturally responsive manner.
• Follow all PRAB policies, procedures, and service protocols.
• Refer residents with medical, legal, behavioral health, crisis, or other specialized needs to appropriate professionals.
• Comply with reporting and escalation requirements related to safety concerns, emergencies, or suspected abuse or neglect.
• Refrain from making commitments regarding eligibility, financial assistance, or services that have not been authorized.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Fluency in English and Spanish required.
• Experience in community outreach, human services, public benefits, intake, referrals, or service navigation strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Middlesex County community resources is preferred.
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