Community Support Specialist CSTAR

$51,043 - $53,685/Yr

Compass Health Network - Arnold, MO

Full-time - Entry Level

Arnold, MO

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Community Support Specialist at Compass Health Network is a vital role designed to provide integrated, holistic community support services for adults dealing with substance use disorders. This full-time position is essential in ensuring that clients receive the necessary support to navigate their recovery journey. The specialist will work closely with clients as part of an integrated health team, acting as a liaison between various wellness team members, both internally and externally. The role emphasizes a collaborative team environment, where team members are encouraged to support each other while focusing on the clients' needs. In this position, the Community Support Specialist will utilize a motivational, stage-matched approach to deliver individualized services tailored to the strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of each client. This includes assisting clients in identifying their personal strengths and needs related to mental health and substance use, and participating in the development and ongoing updates of their Wellness Plans. The specialist will provide services from a holistic perspective, incorporating coaching on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, which encompasses physical and mental health. Additionally, the Community Support Specialist will assist clients in accessing public services and other providers, such as financial assistance, housing, and emergency services. Maintaining contact with clients who are hospitalized is crucial, as the specialist will participate in discharge planning and collaborate with all involved providers to develop effective aftercare plans. Education and skill-building in areas such as daily living skills, employment, symptom management, and budgeting will also be part of the role, with a focus on fostering independence among clients. Driving is an essential function of this position, as the specialist will assist clients with transportation needs as clinically indicated. The role also involves collecting and processing urine drug screens, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Overall, the Community Support Specialist plays a critical role in promoting wellness and recovery among clients, contributing to the mission of Compass Health Network: "Inspire Hope. Promote Wellness."

Responsibilities

• Use a motivational, stage-matched approach to provide individualized services based on strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences identified collaboratively with the client/family.
• Assist clients in identifying strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences regarding mental illness/substance use and participate in the development of the initial wellness plan, updating and completing the Wellness Plan as needed.
• Provide services from a holistic perspective, incorporating coaching surrounding the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, focusing on each domain of wellness, including physical and mental health.
• Assist clients in making referrals to public services and additional providers, including financial, housing, emergency assistance, and food services.
• Maintain contact with clients who are hospitalized, participate in discharge planning, and communicate with all involved providers to develop aftercare plans.
• Provide education and skill-building in areas such as daily living skills, employment/education, symptom management, communication/relationships, budgeting, and maintaining a residence, focusing on independent task completion or referral to long-term supports.
• Assist clients in developing personal support systems, including work with family members, legal guardians, and recovery communities.
• Meet service provision expectations per client needs and company guidelines, completing documentation and paperwork within the required timeframe.
• Assist clients with transportation as clinically indicated, as driving is an essential function of the position.
• Collect and process urine drug screens.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a human service-related field preferred.
• At least four (4) years of experience required if no degree has been obtained, or a combination of higher education and experience if a High School/GED is the highest education obtained.
• At least two (2) years of experience required if an Associate's degree is the highest education obtained, or a combination of higher education and experience if an Associate's degree is in Behavioral Health Support from an approved institution.
• At least one (1) year of experience required if a non-human service Bachelor's degree is the highest education obtained.
• All experience must include working with individuals with psychiatric, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities.
• A valid driver's license and agency established minimum automobile coverage required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in discharge planning
• Knowledge of community resources for substance use and mental health support
• Skills in motivational interviewing and recovery-oriented practices

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Loan repayment program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Opportunities for advancement