Thresholds - Skokie, IL
posted 4 months ago
The Community Support Specialist - Residential (Adult Program) plays a crucial role in facilitating mental health rehabilitation interventions and supports for individuals with mental illnesses. This position is centered around assisting members in achieving their rehabilitative, resilience, and recovery goals within a Thresholds-operated residential program. The specialist is responsible for providing direct services, which include individual and group counseling, case management, job support, crisis intervention, and psycho-social rehabilitation services. Under direct supervision, the specialist gathers member information, assesses service needs, and makes treatment recommendations while identifying existing natural resources and supports available to the members. In addition to direct service provision, the Community Support Specialist identifies risk factors related to relapse and develops prevention plans and strategies. They may also assist in the development and review of Individual Treatment Plans (ITP) through face-to-face meetings with members or their guardians to identify specific goals, objectives, and necessary mental health services. Teaching independent living skills such as housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, and personal hygiene is also a key responsibility, along with fostering the development of functional, interpersonal, support systems, and coping skills. The specialist provides support to members in accessing collateral sources, including other agencies and medical providers, advocating for their needs and assisting in problem-solving to utilize community resources effectively. Comprehensive member assessments are performed in collaboration with the team to identify mental health service needs and make treatment recommendations. The role also emphasizes promoting member self-advocacy and participation in decision-making processes related to their treatment and planning. Maintaining a clean and safe living environment is essential, as the specialist is responsible for keeping the residence neat and advising supervisors of any maintenance issues. They are expected to attend required meetings, complete monthly clinical supervision trainings, and meet billing targets while ensuring all documentation is completed within assigned time frames. The position may require the use of a personal vehicle for work-related tasks, and the specialist must maintain agency-required liability insurance coverage. Overall, the Community Support Specialist is integral to creating a supportive and rehabilitative atmosphere for members, ensuring their well-being and progress in recovery.