Community Wellness Specialist

Compensation -  $20.00/hour

Program Overview:

The Community Mental Health Promotion and Support (COMHPS) program, at the Buffalo Urban League, provides emotional support, wellness activities, and screenings with referrals to licensed mental health professionals when necessary. This program is designed to support the community with emerging or subclinical mental health needs, helping to establish, maintain, and improve individual and community mental health and wellness.

Job Overview:

The Community Wellness Specialist will play a vital role in the Buffalo Urban League’s partnership with the COMHPS program. This position focuses on promoting mental health and wellness by providing emotional support, facilitating wellness activities, conducting screenings, and referring individuals to professionals’ providers when needed.

As a Community Wellness Specialist, you will serve as a bridge between the community and mental health resources, engaging with diverse populations to address subclinical mental health needs. 
This is an opportunity to make a difference by supporting individuals and families in maintaining and improving their mental well-being while creating a culture of community care and resilience.

Outreach and Engagement

•    Facilitate in-person and virtual outreach activities to engage diverse individuals and families.
•    Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure they access necessary services and support.
•    Develop and distribute educational materials to promote awareness of the COMHPS program and its services.

Wellness Promotion
•    Organize and lead wellness activities that promote stress reduction, emotional resilience, and overall community well-being.
•    Deliver educational presentations to community groups on topics such as mental health awareness, coping strategies, and wellness practices.

Community Representation
•    Serve as a program representative in the community, networking and creating partnerships with local organizations.
•    Collaborate with community stakeholders to expand the program’s reach and address clients’ diverse needs

Family Education
•    Conduct family-focused educational sessions to support understanding of mental health challenges and coping strategies.
•    Offer emotional support to families as they navigate mental health-related concerns.

 Emotional Support and Counseling
•    Provide brief individual emotional support and facilitate group support sessions for those experiencing stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.
•    Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to encourage client engagement and participation in wellness activities.

 Assessment and Referral
•    Conduct needs assessments to evaluate clients’ mental health and wellness needs.
•    Provide screenings and make referrals to licensed mental health professionals or other appropriate resources.

Data Management
•    Enter and manage client data accurately in database and spreadsheet format.
•    Ensure compliance with reporting requirements and maintain secure, organized records.
 

•    Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent. Associate or bachelor’s degree (preferred) in Mental Health, Human Services, or a related field.
•    Experience: At least one year of experience in a mental health, public health, or human services setting.
•    Technical Skills: Proficiency in data entry and database management, with the ability to learn and use the reporting system effectively.
•    Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for engaging diverse populations and presenting effectively.
•    Interpersonal Skills: Empathy, active listening, and the ability to build trusting relationships with individuals and families.
•    Other Requirements:
o    Valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to reliable transportation.
o    Self-directed with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
o    Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
o    Multilingual abilities are a plus.
Competencies:
•    Demonstrated cultural competence and inclusivity when working with diverse populations.
•    Strong work ethic, emotional intelligence, and client-centered approach with a commitment to follow-through on tasks and responsibilities.
•    Ability to work collaboratively with peers and community partners in a team-oriented environment.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other digital tools for data management and communication.