Community Support Specialist (CSS) - Behavioral Health

Rushford - Meriden, CT

Full-time - Entry Level

Meriden, CT

About the position

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) position at Rushford involves working with individuals experiencing mental illnesses, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders. The role focuses on helping clients achieve and maintain independent functioning through a comprehensive array of rehabilitation services, primarily delivered in community settings. Key responsibilities include assessing client needs, planning and linking to appropriate services, advocacy, and providing outreach and engagement within an integrated recovery-oriented system of care.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, monitor, and re-evaluate service utilization in accordance with the Recovery Plan.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of services to meet federal, state, ABH, and DMHAS guidelines.
• Enter each client contact in an electronic medical record.
• Relate encounter notes to goals identified in the Recovery Plan.
• Describe client responses to interventions in behavioral terms, including next steps and service details.
• Submit timely monthly progress notes to ABH.
• Perform recovery-oriented interventions/services to ensure effective progress toward Recovery Plan Goals.
• Create individualized safety plans with clients and perform corresponding interventions during crises.
• Provide individual and group psycho-education and activities for daily living and self-management.
• Facilitate connections to the individual's recovery natural supports.
• Provide residential supports in collaboration with DMHAS and ABH.
• Link clients to mutual support/self-help groups and community resources.
• Assist clients in arranging transportation to necessary appointments.
• Organize family education and support activities.
• Participate in team meetings and integrated team meetings with collateral service providers.
• Attend trainings, workshops, and conferences as designated.

Requirements

• High school diploma and/or Associate's Degree in mental health or human services discipline.
• Bachelor's degree in mental health or human services discipline is preferred.
• Previous experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use.
• Current, valid CT Driver's license.
• Basic working knowledge of personal computers and software applications.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in community support services for mental health and substance use disorders.
• Familiarity with HIPAA guidelines and electronic medical records.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule