We are seeking a part-time Community Services Coordinator who will serve as the primary point of contact for individuals seeking services and support from the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County (MHA). As one of the most public-facing members of our team, the Community Services Coordinator creates a welcoming, respectful, trauma-informed environment for everyone who walks through our doors, calls the agency, or reaches out for assistance.

The Community Services Coordinator is responsible for completing an initial assessment of each individual's needs, providing information about MHA programs and services, determining the appropriate level and type of support, and connecting individuals with a Peer Advocate or other MHA program. The Coordinator must be comfortable engaging with people experiencing a wide range of mental health, substance use, recovery, housing, social, and life challenges, including individuals who may be experiencing significant emotional distress or crisis.

This is a non-clinical position. The Community Services Coordinator does not diagnose or provide clinical assessments or treatment. Rather, the position requires strong engagement skills, sound judgment, knowledge of community resources, and the ability to recognize when an individual's needs require immediate intervention or a higher level of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for individuals entering or contacting MHA for services.

• Welcome walk-in participants and create an environment that is respectful, nonjudgmental, inclusive, and supportive.

• Listen to individuals seeking assistance and conduct an initial, non-clinical assessment of their needs and circumstances.

• Determine the nature and urgency of the individual's needs and identify the most appropriate MHA service.

• Gather appropriate information to help Peer Advocates understand the individual's immediate needs and reason for seeking support

• Coordinate warm handoffs whenever possible rather than simply providing a name, phone number, or referral.

• Assist individuals in identifying additional community resources when their needs extend beyond the services available through MHA.

• Support de-escalation through calm communication, active listening, respect, and trauma-informed engagement.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.

• Communicate relevant information to Peer Advocates while maintaining participant confidentiality.

• Assist with follow-up when an individual requires additional connection or support.

• Assist with community outreach and represent MHA professionally with participants, families, community partners, and the public.

• Coordinate day-to-day office needs, including maintaining supplies, organizing shared spaces and materials, handling mail and deliveries, and helping ensure the office runs smoothly and efficiently. 

• Perform other duties consistent with the position and the needs of a small, community-based nonprofit organization.

• Other duties as necessary or assigned..

Qualifications - Required

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use recovery, or navigating behavioral health systems is valued and welcomed.

• Demonstrated experience working directly with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use challenges, recovery needs, significant emotional distress, or crisis situations.

• Ability to engage effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, active-listening, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to quickly gather information, identify immediate needs, prioritize concerns, and determine appropriate next steps.

• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and use sound judgment in stressful, unpredictable, or emotionally charged situations.

• Understanding of trauma-informed, person-centered, recovery-oriented, and strengths-based approaches.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small, peer-led team.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to document services accurately and consistently.

• Commitment to MHA's mission and belief in recovery, self-determination, dignity, and the value of peer support.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Experience providing peer support, care coordination, case management, crisis services, behavioral health services, substance use recovery services, human services, or community-based support.

• Knowledge of mental health and substance use resources available in Tompkins County.

• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation.

• Peer Specialist, Recovery Peer Advocate or other relevant training or certification is a plus.

The successful candidate will be someone who:

• Can distinguish between someone seeking information, someone needing ongoing peer support, and someone who may require an immediate crisis response.

• Can balance compassion with clear boundaries and agency expectations.

• Is resourceful and comfortable saying, "I may not know the answer yet, but I will help figure out the next step."

• Can manage competing needs and interruptions while remaining organized and attentive.

• Understands the importance of a warm handoff and continuity of support.

• Works well in a collaborative environment where flexibility and teamwork are essential.

*Final candidates will be required to complete a background check as part of the hiring process.

The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe diversity is expressed through every person’s perspective and lived experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status and family medical or genetic information.