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 providing individualized and group education services based on the strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of clients, focusing on supporting their movement toward recovery and resiliency goals. The specialist will assist clients in identifying their strengths and needs regarding substance abuse and mental illness, and participate in the development of Wellness Plans. The position requires maintaining contact with clients, providing education and skill-building, and assisting clients in accessing public services. The specialist will also communicate actively with other members of the integrated health team and seek culturally competent services to meet the unique needs of clients.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group education services based on strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences identified collaboratively with client/family.
• Assist client in identifying strengths, needs, abilities, & preferences regarding substance abuse/mental illness and participate in development of Wellness Plan.
• Provide services from a holistic perspective, incorporating coaching surrounding the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
• Support client in completion of goals identified on Wellness Plans and review as required.
• Aid in accessing public services, including financial, housing, emergency assistance, food, etc.
• 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, communication/relationships, budgeting, etc.
• Assist clients with developing personal support systems.
• Provide individual assistance to clients in accessing needed services.
• Follow up with clients regarding appointments and completion of forms.
• Contact consumers who have unexcused absences from the CSTAR program to re-engage them.
• Meet service provision expectations per client needs and company guidelines.
• Complete documentation and paperwork within the required timeframe.
• Communicate actively with other members of the integrated team regarding all areas of client wellness.
• Seek and include input from Integrated Health Team providers on client's Wellness Plan.
• Work with clients to determine services needed and provide hand-offs to those services.
• Make referrals to additional services/providers as needed.
• Seek culturally competent services and service providers.
• Assist client with transportation as clinically indicated.

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.
• Experience in community-based support services.

Benefits

• $1500 sign-on bonus.
• 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.