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, focusing on supporting clients' movement toward recovery and resiliency goals. The position involves working collaboratively with clients and their families to develop Wellness Plans and provide 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.
• Support clients in completing goals identified on Wellness Plans and review them as needed.
• 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, including work with family members and recovery communities.
• Provide individual assistance to clients in accessing needed services and accompany 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 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.