Community Support Specialist

$51,043 - $53,685/Yr

Compass Health Network - Lebanon, MO

Full-time - Entry Level

Lebanon, MO

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Community Support Specialist plays a crucial role in providing integrated, holistic, community-based support services to individuals facing mental health challenges and substance use issues. This position is designed to deliver compassionate care and support to clients, helping them navigate their recovery journey. The specialist will utilize a motivational, stage-matched approach to offer individualized and group education services tailored to the strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of each client and their families. The focus is on empowering clients to achieve their recovery and resiliency goals through collaborative development of Wellness Plans. In this role, the Community Support Specialist will assist clients in identifying their strengths and needs related to substance abuse and mental illness, and will actively participate in the creation and ongoing adjustment of their Wellness Plans. The specialist will provide services from a holistic perspective, incorporating coaching on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, ensuring that all aspects of a client's well-being are addressed. This includes supporting clients in achieving their goals, maintaining contact with hospitalized clients, and participating in discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition back into the community. The position also involves providing education and skill-building in essential life areas such as daily living skills, employment, symptom management, and budgeting. The specialist will help clients develop personal support systems and assist them in accessing necessary public services, including financial aid, housing, and emergency assistance. Additionally, the role requires active communication with an integrated health team, including psychiatrists and primary care providers, to ensure comprehensive care for clients. The Community Support Specialist will also be responsible for maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to service provision expectations as outlined by the organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group education services based on clients' strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
• Assist clients in identifying their strengths and needs regarding substance abuse and mental illness.
• Participate in the development and updating of Wellness Plans with clients.
• Support clients in achieving goals outlined in their Wellness Plans.
• Aid clients in accessing public services such as financial assistance, housing, and food.
• Maintain contact with hospitalized clients and participate in discharge planning.
• 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.
• Accompany clients to appointments to address medical or health needs.
• Follow up with clients regarding appointments and necessary paperwork.
• Re-engage clients who have unexcused absences from the CSTAR program.
• Meet service provision expectations per client needs and company guidelines.
• Complete documentation and paperwork within required timeframes.
• Communicate actively with integrated health team members regarding client wellness.
• Seek input from integrated health team providers on clients' Wellness Plans.
• Make referrals to additional services/providers as needed for clients.
• Function as a liaison to others involved in clients' treatment, including family and employers.
• 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; Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in a human service-related field preferred.
• At least four years of experience in a relevant field if no degree is obtained.
• At least two years of experience required if an Associate's degree is the highest education obtained.
• At least one year of experience required if a non-human service Bachelor's degree is the highest education 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 are required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in community-based support services.
• Knowledge of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness framework.
• Familiarity with public service systems and resources.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package
• 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