Community Support Specialist - ACT

$35,000 - $45,000/Yr

Archdiocese Of St. Louis - Saint Louis, MO

Full-time

Saint Louis, MO

About the position

St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is seeking a dedicated Community Support Specialist to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program. This role is pivotal in providing treatment, rehabilitation, advocacy, and case management services to clients who are experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses, as well as chemical dependency issues. The Community Support Specialist will be responsible for conducting comprehensive and ongoing assessments of clients, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, and performing regular visits to clients in their homes or other community locations. This position is essential in helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency and dignity, aligning with our mission to end chronic homelessness in the St. Louis region through the Housing First model. The Community Support Specialist will work collaboratively with clients, community agencies, and families to ensure a coordinated approach to treatment. This includes linking clients with supportive community services, assisting them with community survival skills such as shopping and managing finances, and providing crisis intervention as needed. The role requires a strong commitment to client advocacy and the ability to work effectively within a team environment. The position operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a salary range of $35,000 to $45,000, reflecting the importance of this role in our organization. As a Community Support Specialist, you will be expected to maintain accurate client records, participate in team meetings, and uphold agency policies regarding work hours and security. Your contributions will directly impact the lives of individuals facing significant challenges, and you will play a key role in fostering a supportive and inclusive community.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and regular visits to clients in and out of apartments or other community locations.
• Use personal vehicle to transport clients to and from appointments or to access community resources.
• Conduct comprehensive, ongoing assessments of mental illness, physical health, housing status, and other relevant needs of clients.
• Act as liaison and consult with community agencies and families to maintain coordination in the treatment process.
• Link clients with supportive community services, enabling as much self-sufficiency as possible.
• Write and implement individualized treatment plans with clients.
• Assist clients with community survival skills such as shopping, managing money, and using public transportation.
• Collaborate with other members of the ACT team during daily and weekly staff meetings.
• Provide community support to people with serious mental illness at varying levels of intensity based on individual client needs for assistance.
• Provide on-call crisis intervention in coordination with other ACT team members, covering nighttime hours and weekends.
• Maintain St. Patrick Center client tracking system and client files to document client progress and maintain a permanent record of client activity.
• Ensure compliance with agency policy regarding work hours, building security, and all written personnel standards.
• Report to and work with the Manager of Behavioral Health Programs (Team Leader - ACT).
• Attend and participate in all appropriate St. Patrick Center meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Understanding of mental illness and substance use disorder.
• Experience in counseling and case management.
• Knowledge and understanding of community agencies.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and agency policies of client confidentiality.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Counseling and crisis intervention expertise.
• Self-motivation and respect for clients and staff, sensitive to cultural diversity.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere.
• Moderate computer skills required.
• Driver license required (MO residents require a Class E).
• Valid and current auto insurance required.
• Reliable vehicle required.
• Ability to work a minimum of 37.5 hours per week.

Nice-to-haves

• Degree in social work or related human services field preferred.