Community Support Specialist

About the position

The Community Support Specialist provides integrated, holistic, community support services to adults with behavioral health and substance use disorders. The CSS works with people in the community, in home, and in the office to work toward personal recovery and rehabilitation goals.

Responsibilities

• Using a motivational, stage-matched approach, provide individualized services based upon strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences identified collaboratively with client/family, focused on supporting client's movement toward recovery/resiliency goals
• Assist client in identifying strengths, needs, abilities, & preferences in regard to mental illness/substance use and participate in development of Wellness Plan
• Provide services from a holistic perspective, incorporating coaching surrounding the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, with attention to each domain of wellness, including physical and mental health
• Support client in completion of goals identified on Wellness Plans, reviewing the WP with client as required and as needed for updating of goals and objectives as items are achieved, or as the client's goals change
• Provide assistance in accessing public services, including financial, housing, emergency assistance, food, etc.
• Maintain contact with clients who are hospitalized, participating in discharge planning and communicating with all involved providers in developing aftercare plans
• Provide education and skill-building in areas such as daily living skills, employment/education, symptom management, communication/relationships, budgeting, maintaining a residence, etc., with focus on movement toward independent completion of these tasks, or referral to long-term supports
• Assist clients with developing personal support systems, including, but not limited to, work with family members, legal guardians, recovery communities, etc.
• Provide individual assistance to consumers in accessing needed mental health services including accompanying consumers to appointments to address medical or other health needs
• Follow up with consumers regarding appointments, completion of forms, returning forms or receipts and other similar activities
• Assist in completing initial and annual assessments and Wellness Plans as directed by Supervisor
• 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, including psychiatrists, primary care physicians, specialists (community support, peer, ITCD, CSTAR, DBT, etc), nurses, dentists, NCMs, etc regarding all areas of client wellness, including client's adherence to medications, side effects, and efficacy of medications
• Seek and include input from Integrated Health Team providers on client's Wellness Plan
• Make referrals to additional services/providers as needed for client's Integrated Health Team
• Assist client with transportation as clinically indicated. Driving is an essential function of the position
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School/GED required
• Associate's/Bachelor's/Master's degree in a human service-related field preferred
• Must qualify for position based on overall CSS requirements in at least one of the options listed: Qualified addiction professional; Bachelor's degree in a human services field from a college or university included in the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited schools; Any four-year degree or combination of higher education and qualifying experience; Four years of qualifying experience; or Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support degree as designated by the department.
• Qualifying experience must include delivery of service to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities.
• A valid driver's license and agency established minimum automobile coverage required

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