Resource and Education Specialist (Kansas City and St. Joseph areas)

Our History

In 1879, Father Bernard Donnelly established Mount St. Bernard’s Orphanage in Kansas City. With that one act of faith, hope and charity, many lives — and a community — were transformed. And, from that humble beginning a strong tradition of compassionate care and social service took root, thrived, and grew to become Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Catholic Charities empowers at risk people to create a pathway out of poverty by alleviating their immediate crises to create stability; then providing robust support to lift them to dignity and self-reliance. Today, millions of lives have been transformed, in the communities we serve. We have office locations in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri and a Food Pantry in Kansas City, while serving a 27-county region.

Our Culture/Mission Characteristics

While performing job duties, staff will:

• Follow the Catholic Social and Moral Teachings in all aspects while performing job duties.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and resolve conflict to achieve the greater good.
• Respect the diversity of talents and gifts of others and believe in cultivating those to promote personal and professional development.
• Demonstrate compassion and commitment for helping others improve their own lives.
• Adheres to our values of Hope/Faith, Trust, Commitment, Collaboration

Mission

Helping people move to a better life through hope-filled care, services, and advocacy, calling all those of goodwill to join us.

Vision

By lifting people in need to the dignity of self-reliance, and encouraging others to help, our communities will become one human family.

Values

Hope/Faith, Trust, Commitment, Collaboration

Benefits

This position is eligible for a comprehensive employee benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match of employer contributions up to 5% of their annual pay, paid time off including vacation/sick leave accrual, 10 holidays each year, and more! Our office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm and our offices are closed on Friday - giving you a three-day weekend in most situations!

This position is based out of the Kansas City office; however, the Resource and Education Specialist will need to travel to multiple locations (our Kansas City office, our Rockhurst University office, and occasionally, the St. Joseph office, if needed).  The pay for this position starts at $45k annually.

Position Objective

The Resource and Education Specialist empowers individuals and families to achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency through comprehensive resource coordination, financial assistance, and life skills education. This position combines direct client support with training and education responsibilities by assessing household needs, connecting clients to critical community resources, delivering educational workshops, and supporting program coordination. The Resource and Education Specialist utilizes a client-centered, trauma-informed approach to help individuals overcome barriers, build skills, and move toward long-term stability and dignity.   

Essential Duties

Resource Coordination & Client Support 

• Conduct screenings and assessments to identify client needs and barriers related to housing, utilities, transportation, employment, food insecurity, physical and mental health, substance abuse, and other emergency needs.  
• Provide short-term service coordination and emergency financial assistance in accordance with agency policies and program guidelines.  
• Connect individuals and families to internal Catholic Charities programs and external community resources.  
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources, eligibility requirements, and agency programming.  
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community agencies, businesses, landlords, employers, healthcare providers, and other organizations to maximize available resources for clients.  
• Maintain and regularly update comprehensive resource directories and referral information.  
• Serve as a client advocate while encouraging long-term self-sufficiency and independence.  
• Connect clients to volunteer mentors and supportive services when appropriate.  

Training, Education & Workforce Development 

• Coordinate, and facilitate workshops and classes focused on:  
• Financial literacy and budgeting;  
• Goal setting and personal organization;  
• Parenting and life skills development; and  
• Other self-sufficiency related topics.  
• Deliver trainings in group and one-on-one formats based on participant needs and learning styles.  
• Adapt curriculum and instructional methods to meet the needs of diverse populations, including individuals with limited English proficiency, justice-involved individuals, young adults, and seniors.  
• Support workforce development initiatives by assisting participants with job search strategies, career exploration, and employment preparation activities.  

Program Development, Reporting & Collaboration 

• Track service delivery, financial assistance expenditures, participation, and outcomes in agency databases and reporting systems.  
• Maintain accurate documentation and case notes in accordance with agency and funding requirements.  
• Assist with program coordination and implementation of new initiatives aligned with agency goals and community needs.  
• Participate in weekly program meetings and ongoing process improvement efforts.  
• Assist in training and onboarding new staff and volunteers.  
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to support coordinated client care and holistic service delivery.  
• Represent Catholic Charities at community meetings, outreach events, trainings, and partnership activities.  
• Support agency marketing and storytelling efforts by identifying program successes and community impact opportunities.  
• Participate in special initiatives including disaster response coordination and Second Collection activities, as assigned. 

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field from an accredited institution preferred. Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.  
• Minimum of two years of experience in direct services, case management, workforce development, education, or training facilitation preferred.  
• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency preferred but not required.  
• Experience working with low-income populations and community-based resources strongly preferred.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong public speaking, facilitation, and group training skills.  
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and adult learning principles.  
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.  
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.  
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and work independently and collaboratively.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client database/tracking systems.  
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality while working with sensitive client information. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

I understand that as an employee of Catholic Charities I am expected to perform my job duties in alignment with the following:

• Follow the Catholic Social and Moral Teachings in all aspects while performing job duties and will not advocate for things that are in opposition with the Catholic faith, beliefs, and Catholic Social and Moral Teachings.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and resolve conflicts to achieve the greater good.
• Respect for the diversity of talents and gifts of others and believe in cultivating those to promote personal and professional development.
• Demonstrate compassion and commitment for helping others improve their lives.
• Follow the Agency values: Faith/Hope, Trust, Commitment, Collaboration.