Community Support Specialist - Youth

About the position

The Community Support Specialist provides integrated, holistic, community support services engaging both the child and parent/caregiver. This role involves using a motivational, stage-matched approach to provide individualized services based on strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences identified collaboratively with the client/family, focused on supporting the client and family's movement toward improved functioning and achieving their treatment goals. The position requires working with parents to engage and participate in treatment with the child, which is necessary for improved clinical outcomes. Services are provided in the home with the client and family based on clinical need, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized services based upon strengths, needs, abilities and preferences identified collaboratively with client/family.
• Work with parents to engage and participate in treatment with the child.
• Provide services to child and parent/caregiver using System of Care philosophy.
• Support client/family in completion of goals identified on Wellness Plans.
• Assist the family with accessing, locating and arranging services and resources.
• Maintain contact with client/family when client is hospitalized.
• Provide educational information and skill building to client/family.
• Develop and implement a crisis intervention plan with the family.
• Assist client/family in developing natural support systems.
• Participate in and coordinate with the child and family interagency team members.
• Complete documentation collaboratively with client and family.
• Meet service provision expectations per client needs and agency guidelines.
• Communicate actively with other members of the integrated team.
• Seek and include input from Integrated Health Team providers on client's Wellness Plan.
• Make referrals to additional services/providers as needed.
• Function as a liaison to others involved in client's treatment.
• Seek culturally competent services and service providers.
• Driving is an essential function of the position.

Requirements

• High School/GED required.
• Associates/Bachelor's degree in a human service-related field preferred.
• At least four (4) years of experience OR a combination of higher education and experience required if a High School/GED is the highest education obtained.
• At least two (2) years of experience OR a combination of higher education and experience required if an Associate's degree is the highest education obtained.
• 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 working in a community health setting.
• Knowledge of mental health and substance use treatment.
• Skills in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.

Benefits

• $1,500 sign-on bonus for Community Support Specialists.
• Additional $500 sign-on bonus for Qualified Mental Health Professionals.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Professional development and licensure supervision.
• Mentorship programs.
• Tuition reimbursement & scholarships.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Headspace Access for mental well-being.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• NHSC Loan Repayment eligibility.