Community Support Specialist

About the position

The Community Support Specialist provides integrated, holistic, community-based support services. This is a full-time, benefit eligible position. The role involves using a motivational, stage-matched approach to provide individualized and group education services based on strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences identified collaboratively with clients and their families, focusing on supporting clients' movement toward recovery and resiliency goals. The position also includes assisting clients in identifying their strengths and needs regarding substance abuse and mental illness, developing Wellness Plans, and providing education and skill-building in various areas to promote independent living.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group education services based on strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences identified collaboratively with client/family.
• Assist clients in identifying strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences regarding substance abuse/mental illness and participate in the development of Wellness Plans.
• Provide services from a holistic perspective, incorporating coaching surrounding the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
• Support clients in completing goals identified on Wellness Plans and review them as required.
• Aid clients in accessing public services, including financial, housing, emergency assistance, and food.
• Maintain contact with clients who are hospitalized and participate in discharge planning.
• Provide education and skill-building in areas such as daily living skills, employment/education, symptom management, and budgeting.
• Assist clients with developing personal support systems.
• Provide individual assistance to clients in accessing needed services, including accompanying them to appointments.
• Follow up with clients regarding appointments and completion of forms.
• Contact consumers who have unexcused absences from the CSTAR program to re-engage them.
• Complete documentation and paperwork within the required timeframe.
• Communicate actively with other members of the integrated health team regarding all areas of client wellness.
• Seek and include input from Integrated Health Team providers on clients' Wellness Plans.
• Make referrals to additional services/providers as needed.
• Seek culturally competent services to meet the unique cultural needs of clients.
• Assist clients with transportation as clinically indicated.

Requirements

• High School/GED required.
• Associate's/Bachelor's/Master's degree in a human service-related field preferred.
• At least four (4) years of experience required if no degree has been obtained.
• At least two (2) years of 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.

Benefits

• $1500 sign-on bonus; additional $500 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.