Disaster Care Specialist

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

This position works one-on-one with survivors to assess needs, develop recovery plans, connect them to resources, and support their progress toward achieving pre-disaster levels of stability and well-being. This role is central to long-term recovery efforts and reflects the collaborative, community-based model. Services may be provided both in the office and in community-based settings. The position works closely with a wide range of community supports and service systems.

Eligibility Requirements: This position is funded through a workforce recovery grant and is limited to individuals who meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria: individuals who have been temporarily or permanently laid off due to an emergency or disaster; dislocated workers; long-term unemployed individuals; or self-employed individuals who became unemployed or significantly underemployed as a result of an emergency or disaster. The selected candidate will be required to meet eligibility requirements and enroll as a Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant participant as a condition of employment.

Qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Depending on program needs and funding, this opportunity may be filled as one full-time position (37.5 hours per week) or multiple part-time positions.

JOB DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1. Survivor Engagement & Assessment:
   1. Conduct comprehensive disaster-related needs assessments with individuals and families.
   2. Identify unmet needs directly caused or worsened by the disaster.
   3. Build supportive, professional relationships with survivors to facilitate trust and effective case planning.
2. Record Planning:
   1. Develop individualized recovery plans that outline goals, required resources, and steps toward achieving pre-disaster stability.
   2. Assist survivors in determining short- and long-term recovery priorities.
   3. Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed.
3. Resource Navigation & Advocacy:
   1. Provide information and referrals to local, state, federal, and nonprofit resources.
   2. Assist clients in applying for public benefits, financial assistance, and community-based support programs.
   3. Advocate on behalf of survivors with service providers, agencies, and recovery partners.
   4. Coordinate with Long Term Recovery Groups, VOAD partners, and community organizations to ensure holistic support.
4. Documentation & Compliance:
   1. Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case files in accordance with DR-DWG and TEGL 09-24 requirements.
   2. Document all disaster-related services, referrals, and client interactions, while maintaining appropriate documentation, billing, and data.
   3. Ensure all activities fall within allowable disaster-relief scope and do not duplicate services provided by other agencies.
5. Community Coordination:
   1. Participate in recovery meetings, case coordination sessions, and community outreach events.
   2. Serve as a liaison between survivors and recovery partners.
   3. Represent the program and agency professionally in interactions with stakeholders, partners, and the public.
6. Promote a healthy, transparent, professional, and kind work environment.
7. Participate in agency meetings and trainings as required and attend scheduled interdisciplinary team meetings and supervisory sessions.
8. Other related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED/HSE minimum required.
• Experience in case management, social services, disaster response, or related fields required.
• Knowledge of community resources, public benefits, and social-service systems.
• AA/BA/BS Degree in Social Services or related field preferred.
• Or a combination of education/experience meeting required job qualifications.

License(s) & Certification(s)

• Valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance required for work related travel.
• Certified Peer Counselor Certificate preferred.
• Training necessary (within 1 year of hire): Trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, Blood borne Pathogens, First Aid/CPR, Safety, Mandated Reporting, Confidentiality, HIPAA, Crisis Intervention, and De-Escalation.

Skills & Abilities

• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) desired; additional languages helpful.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals experience trauma or crisis.
• Knowledge in “Housing First” philosophy and helpful strategies.
• Motivational interviewing skills desired.
• Ability to set boundaries, resolve conflict, problem solve, and de-escalate issues.
• Ability to work independently, as well as, part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to perform accurate and timely data entry.
• Ability to maintain detailed documentation and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Strong organization and time management required, with ability to multi-task.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications, Microsoft 365, Sharepoint, Outlook, Adobe PDF. Experience with EmpowOR, or other client databases.
• Must have strong and effective communication skills (oral and written).
• Working knowledge of standard office procedures and technologies (phone, computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, fax machine) is needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, educational and experiential backgrounds.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Starting pay wage range between $24.67 - $27.24 per hour (DOE)

Full-Time Benefits include:

• Medical & Dental Insurance including Rx and Vision
• Life Insurance and AD&D coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (3.5% Employer Match)
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• 12 Holidays per year
• Health Club Discount

Part-Time Benefits include:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan (3.5% Employer Match)
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• 12 Holidays per year
• Health club discount

(Community Action reserves right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit at any time for any reason.)

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by providing ALL items requested. Please submit the following: (1) Community Action Application (2) Resume (3) Letter of Interest. You can find all job announcements and apply online on our website at www.communityactionskagit.org

Community Action of Skagit County reserves the right to extend application deadlines and to modify the selection schedule without notice, to form eligibility lists for, or make appointments to, other positions with similar employment requirements. Community Action of Skagit County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you require accommodation in the application process, please contact our HR Department.