Overview

Drive Change is seeking a dedicated Community Support Specialist to join our team. The candidate must be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The Community Support Specialist will be instrumental in leading case management and support-based interventions for justice-involved participants within our program. This role entails closely collaborating with our program team to address the behavioral, emotional, and social needs of our participants, ensuring they have the comprehensive care and support to graduate from our program and thrive in the workforce. 

Key Responsibilities:

Participant Support:

  • Develop and implement individualized care plans for participants and alumni, in collaboration with the program team.
  • Conduct initial assessments to identify participant strengths, challenges, and support needs.
  • Provide 1:1 check ins, ongoing emotional support, counseling, and crisis intervention as needed.
  • Advocate for participants’ needs and rights within the organization and externally as required.

Case Management:

  • Provide ongoing case management services, including coordination of participant care, advocacy, and referrals to community resources.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date case notes and documentation on participant progress and interventions.
  • Coordinate with external agencies, service providers, and community resources to ensure comprehensive support for participants.
  • Monitor participant compliance with program requirements and provide guidance on meeting program goals.

Educational and Vocational Support:

  • Assist participants in setting and achieving educational and vocational goals.
  • Collaborate with the program team to support fellows through career counseling, resume building, job search support, and interview preparation.
  • Facilitate group therapy sessions and support groups to promote skill development, peer support, and community integration.
  • Facilitate workshops and training sessions on life skills and other relevant topics.

Program Evaluation and Improvement:

  • Collaborate with the program team to evaluate the effectiveness of support services and make recommendations for program improvements.
  • Participate in regular team meetings, case conferences, and professional development activities.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all services provided.

Experience Required

  • Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
  • Current LCSW license in New York State
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience providing clinical social work services, preferably in a similar setting (e.g., justice-impacted youth, workforce development, transitional youth programs).
  • Strong knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions.
  • Experience with case management, conducting assessments and developing treatment plans.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural humility and curiosity.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Commitment to ethical practice and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Willingness and readiness for working with an early stage company
  • Dedication to working with youth and a strong commitment to empowering young people to achieve their full potential
  • Passionate about food and hospitality, reimagining criminal justice, and building ethical food systems

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a plus
  • Expertise with housing insecurity
  • Certification in specialized treatment modalities (e.g., trauma-informed care, healing centered engagement, motivational interviewing, restorative justice)
  • Proficiency with CRMs and Google Suite

Work Schedule:

This position is a full-time, in person position. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. The office location for this position is Brooklyn, New York.