Community Support Specialist

$51,043 - $53,685/Yr

Compass Health Network - St. Peters, MO

Full-time - Entry Level

St. Peters, MO

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Community Support Specialist at Compass Health Network plays a vital role in providing integrated, holistic, community-based support services to individuals facing mental health challenges. This position is essential in addressing the critical service needs of the communities served, ensuring that clients receive the necessary support to achieve their recovery and resiliency goals. The specialist will utilize a motivational, stage-matched approach to deliver individualized and group education services tailored to the strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of each client and their families. This collaborative process is focused on empowering clients to take charge of their wellness journey. In this role, the Community Support Specialist will assist clients in identifying their strengths and needs related to substance abuse and mental illness, participating actively in the development of personalized Wellness Plans. The specialist will provide services from a holistic perspective, incorporating coaching that addresses the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, ensuring that all aspects of a client's well-being are considered. Regular reviews of the Wellness Plans will be conducted to track progress and make necessary adjustments as clients achieve their goals or as their needs evolve. Additionally, the specialist will aid clients in accessing essential public services, including financial assistance, housing support, and emergency resources. Maintaining contact with clients during hospitalization is crucial, as the specialist will participate in discharge planning and collaborate with other providers to develop comprehensive aftercare plans. Education and skill-building will be provided in various areas, such as daily living skills, employment and education, symptom management, and budgeting, with the ultimate goal of fostering independence. The Community Support Specialist will also assist clients in building personal support systems, which may involve working with family members, legal guardians, and recovery communities. This role requires a proactive approach in accompanying clients to appointments and following up on their progress, ensuring that they have the resources and support needed to thrive in their recovery journey.

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, participating in the development of Wellness Plans.
• Provide services from a holistic perspective, incorporating coaching surrounding the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
• Support clients in completing goals identified on Wellness Plans, reviewing and updating them as necessary.
• Aid clients in accessing public services, including financial, housing, and emergency assistance.
• Maintain contact with hospitalized clients, participating in discharge planning and communicating with involved providers for aftercare plans.
• Provide education and skill-building in areas such as daily living skills, employment/education, symptom management, and budgeting.
• Assist clients in developing personal support systems, including work with family members and recovery communities.
• Provide individual assistance to clients in accessing needed services, including accompanying them to appointments.
• Follow up with clients regarding appointments and completion of necessary forms.

Requirements

• Experience in providing community-based support services or similar roles in mental health.
• Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse issues, including recovery-oriented practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients and families.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized Wellness Plans in collaboration with clients.
• Familiarity with public services and resources available to clients in need.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) is preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Knowledge of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness and holistic approaches to care.

Benefits

• $1500 sign-on bonus for new hires.
• Additional $500 sign-on bonus for Qualified Mental Health Professionals.
• Competitive hourly wage of $24.54/hour; $25.81/hour for QMHP.