Community Support Specialist

$41,600 - $52,000/Yr

Archdiocese Of St. Louis - Saint Louis, MO

Full-time

Saint Louis, MO

About the position

St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is dedicated to providing opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The organization aims to facilitate permanent, positive change in the lives of individuals and families through safe and affordable housing, sound mental and physical health, and employment and financial stability. The Community Support Specialist will be a key player in the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program, which is designed to support clients with severe and persistent mental illnesses and chemical dependency issues. This role involves a comprehensive approach to treatment, rehabilitation, advocacy, and case management services, ensuring that clients receive the necessary support to achieve their goals. The Community Support Specialist will conduct thorough and ongoing assessments of clients, develop and implement individualized treatment plans, and maintain regular contact with clients both in their homes and in the community. This position requires a strong commitment to collaboration, as the specialist will work closely with community agencies, families, and other service providers to ensure a coordinated treatment process. The specialist will also provide crisis intervention and support, helping clients navigate challenges related to their mental health and substance use disorders. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with an hourly wage ranging from $20 to $25. In this role, the Community Support Specialist will be responsible for linking clients with supportive community services, assisting them in developing essential survival skills, and maintaining accurate documentation of client progress. The specialist will also participate in team meetings and contribute to the overall mission of St. Patrick Center to end chronic homelessness in the St. Louis region through the Housing First model, which emphasizes removing barriers to housing and providing ongoing support to clients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and regular visits to clients in and out of apartments or other community locations.
• Use personal vehicle to transport clients to and from appointments or to access community resources.
• Conduct comprehensive, ongoing assessments of mental illness, physical health, housing status, and other relevant needs of clients.
• Act as liaison and consult with community agencies and families to maintain coordination in the treatment process.
• Link clients with supportive community services, enabling as much self-sufficiency as possible.
• Write and implement individualized treatment plans with clients.
• Assist clients with community survival skills such as shopping, managing money, and using public transportation.
• Collaborate with other members of the ACT team during daily and weekly staff meetings.
• Provide community support to people with serious mental illness at varying levels of intensity based on individual client needs for assistance.
• Provide on-call crisis intervention in coordination with other ACT team members, covering nighttime hours and weekends.
• Maintain St. Patrick Center client tracking system and client files to document client progress and maintain a permanent record of client activity.
• Ensure compliance with agency policy regarding work hours, building security, and all written personnel standards.
• Report to and work with the Manager of Behavioral Health Programs (Team Leader - ACT).
• Attend and participate in all appropriate St. Patrick Center meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Understanding of mental illness and substance use disorder.
• Experience in counseling and case management.
• Knowledge and understanding of community agencies.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and agency policies of client confidentiality.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Counseling and crisis intervention expertise.
• Self-motivation and respect for clients and staff, sensitive to cultural diversity.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere.
• Moderate computer skills.
• Driver's license required (MO residents require a Class E).
• Valid and current auto insurance required.
• Reliable vehicle required.
• Ability to work a minimum of 37.5 hours per week.

Nice-to-haves

• Degree in social work or related human services field preferred.