Community Support Specialist - Substance Use Treatment

$48,360 - $54,800/Yr

Naadac, The Association For Addiction Professionals - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

About the position

The Community Support Specialist - Substance Use Treatment at Thresholds plays a crucial role in assisting individuals with mental health and substance use conditions. This position is dedicated to providing harm reduction services tailored to meet individuals at their readiness level for positive change. The team primarily serves a high-risk population vulnerable to opioid overdoses and non-violent drug-related arrests. Utilizing a total team approach, the specialist will engage in street outreach, educating the community on naloxone distribution, which is vital for reversing opioid overdoses. The role also involves practical assistance and advocacy to help clients overcome barriers to securing stable housing, quality healthcare, and employment opportunities, as well as connecting them with recovery-oriented support services. As engagement with clients solidifies, the Community Support Specialist will provide ongoing community support, which includes individual and group substance use counseling, vocational support, crisis intervention, and psycho-social rehabilitation. The specialist will also be responsible for developing and reviewing care plans, teaching independent living skills, and documenting services in an Electronic Health Record system. This position is integral to fostering a supportive environment that promotes recovery and stability for individuals facing significant challenges in their lives.

Responsibilities

• Provides naloxone education and distribution to communities with high rates of opioid overdose deaths.
• Engages members in harm reduction practices based on their readiness to make positive changes.
• Assists individuals in accessing stable and permanent housing, integrated medical and mental health care, and employment opportunities.
• Develops and reviews care plans for members, identifying goals and necessary mental health services.
• Teaches independent and community living skills, including housekeeping and coping skills.
• Provides support to members in collaboration with social service agencies and the community.
• Documents services provided in an Electronic Health Record in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.
• Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor from the Illinois Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in harm reduction practices.
• Knowledge of community resources for mental health and substance use treatment.
• Skills in crisis intervention and vocational support.

Benefits

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off