Community Support Specialist

About the position

The Community Support Specialist provides integrated, holistic, community-based support services. This role is essential in delivering quality and compassionate care to the communities served, particularly in the context of mental health and substance use treatment. The position involves working closely with clients to develop and implement Wellness Plans, providing education and skill-building, and facilitating access to necessary services. The specialist will also engage with an integrated health team to ensure comprehensive care for clients, addressing their unique needs and promoting recovery and resiliency goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group education services based on strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences identified collaboratively with clients and families.
• Assist clients in identifying strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences regarding substance abuse and mental illness, and participate in the development of Wellness Plans.
• Support clients in completing goals identified on Wellness Plans, reviewing and updating as necessary.
• Aid clients in accessing public services such as financial assistance, housing, and food.
• Maintain contact with hospitalized clients, participating in discharge planning and aftercare plans.
• Provide education and skill-building in daily living skills, employment, symptom management, and budgeting.
• Assist clients in developing personal support systems, including family and recovery communities.
• Provide individual assistance to clients in accessing needed services, including accompanying them to appointments.
• Follow up with clients regarding appointments and necessary documentation.
• Contact consumers with unexcused absences to re-engage them in recovery efforts.
• Meet service provision expectations per client needs and company guidelines.
• Complete documentation and paperwork within required timeframes.
• Communicate actively with other members of the integrated health team regarding client wellness and medication adherence.
• Seek input from integrated health team providers on clients' Wellness Plans.
• Work with clients to determine needed services and provide referrals as necessary.
• Function as a liaison to others involved in clients' treatment, including family, employers, and legal entities.
• Seek culturally competent services to meet the unique needs of clients and families.
• Assist clients with transportation as clinically indicated.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required.
• At least four years of experience in a relevant field if no degree is obtained, or a combination of higher education and experience.
• At least two years of experience or a combination of higher education and experience if an Associate's degree is obtained.
• At least one year of experience required if a non-human service Bachelor's degree is obtained.
• 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, or Master's degree in a human service-related field preferred.
• Experience in community-based support services.

Benefits

• $1500 sign-on bonus, additional $500 for Qualified Mental Health Professionals.
• Advancement opportunities.
• Professional development.
• Licensure supervision.
• Mentor opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Scholarship program.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Headspace Access.
• Paid time off and Paid Holidays.
• NHSC Loan Repayment Participant.