Community Support Specialist- Youth

About the position

The Community Support Specialist provides integrated, behavioral health community support services engaging both the child and parent/caregiver in learning and practicing skills to meet their goals and increase functioning. Services are provided when needed, during the day, evening and may be on the weekend.

Responsibilities

• Using a motivational, stage-matched approach, provide individualized services based upon strengths, needs, abilities and preferences identified collaboratively with client/family, focused on supporting client and family's movement toward improved functioning and achieving their treatment goals
• Work with parents to engage and participate in treatment with child is required and necessary for improved clinical outcomes
• Provide services to child and parent/caregiver using System of Care philosophy; and a holistic, person-centered, strengths-based perspective, incorporating coaching surrounding the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, with attention to each domain of wellness, including physical and mental health
• Support client/family in completion of goals identified on Wellness Plans, reviewing the WP with client/family as required, reassessing client/family need, service choices available, community functioning and as needed for updating of goals and objectives as items are achieved, or as client/family goals change
• Assist the family with accessing, locating and arranging services and resources to assist in achieving their goals
• Maintain contact with client/family when client is hospitalized, participating in discharge planning and communicating with all involved providers in developing after care plans
• Provide educational information and skill building to client/family regarding areas of concern such as daily living skills, coping skills, education, symptom management, communication/relationships with focus on improving functioning
• Develop and implementation of a crisis intervention plan with the family and provide crisis intervention services as needed, during and after normal working hours
• Assist client/family in developing natural support systems including work with family members, school staff, legal guardians, etc.
• Participation in and coordination with the child and family interagency team members on an ongoing basis to advocate for the Mental Health needs of child/family
• Complete documentation collaboratively with client and family and complete all required documentation within the required timeframe, according to agency policy
• Meet service provision expectations per client needs and agency guidelines. Services are provided in the home with the client and family based on clinical need, including evenings and weekends
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School/GED required
• 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

• Associate's/Bachelor's/Master's degree in a human service-related field preferred
• If the degree is an Associate's of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support from an approved institution; then no additional experience is required

Benefits

• $1500 sign-on bonus for Community Support Specialist positions
• $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