Community Support Specialist - Housing First

$47,840 - $56,160/Yr

Heritage Behavioral Health Center - Decatur, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Decatur, IL

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The Community Support Specialist - Housing First position at Heritage Behavioral Health Center is a full-time role focused on providing housing support services to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, particularly those with mental health or substance use diagnoses. The role emphasizes a collaborative approach to care, ensuring that staff can effectively assist clients in improving their quality of life through various support services and resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management and community support services and manage a caseload.
• Engage clients through telephone and face-to-face interactions who have been referred to the program.
• Complete needs assessments to identify additional needs including mental health, substance use, health, dental, vision, support systems, legal, education, employment, and transportation.
• Provide a wide array of support services to assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining housing.
• Advocate for individuals to access and maintain housing, benefits, treatment, and reasonable accommodations.
• Assist individuals with applying for and maintaining resources such as medical coverage, SNAP benefits, and SSI/SSDI benefits.
• Help develop and practice coping skills to manage mental health, substance use, housing instability, and health-related symptoms.
• Provide support and coaching on life skills including daily living activities, communication, budgeting, and personal care.
• Perform other duties as assigned or negotiated with the supervisor.

Requirements

• 5 years' experience in a behavioral health setting as a Mental Health Professional.
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS).
• A Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, human services, or a related field, or any other degree plus 2 years of experience.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of community resources and ability to research/find them.
• Experience working with individuals in behavioral health settings.
• Ability to meet people where they are in their recovery and build rapport quickly.
• Ability to work in a team-based environment.
• Ability to accept ambiguity, uncertainty, and change.
• Ability to navigate electronic health records.

Benefits

• Generous vacation, sick, and personal leave.
• WELLNESS days - 26 days per year (every other Friday off paid).
• Paid holidays - 9 in 2024.
• Health Club/Fitness Reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Agency provided life insurance and short-term disability policies.
• Retirement plans (401k and Roth).
• Optional insurance benefits including health, dental, vision, and flex spending accounts.