Community Support Specialist

$50,003 - $52,645/Yr

Compass Health Network - Washington, MO

Full-time - Entry Level

Washington, MO

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Community Support Specialist plays a crucial role in providing integrated, holistic, community-based support services aimed at assisting individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. This position is designed to deliver individualized and group education services that are tailored to the strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of clients and their families. The specialist will utilize a motivational, stage-matched approach to support clients in their journey toward recovery and resiliency goals. This involves collaborating with clients to develop a comprehensive Wellness Plan that addresses their unique circumstances and aspirations. In addition to direct clinical service provision, the Community Support Specialist will maintain ongoing contact with clients, particularly those who are hospitalized, to facilitate discharge planning and ensure continuity of care. This includes communicating with various healthcare providers to develop effective aftercare plans. The specialist will also provide education and skill-building in essential life areas such as daily living skills, employment, symptom management, and budgeting, with the ultimate goal of fostering independence among clients. The role requires active communication with an integrated health team, which includes psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and other specialists. The specialist will work collaboratively with these professionals to monitor client wellness, medication adherence, and overall treatment efficacy. Additionally, the specialist will serve as a liaison between clients and other stakeholders involved in their care, such as family members, employers, and legal entities. Cultural competence is a key aspect of this position, as the specialist will seek to provide services that meet the unique cultural needs of each client and their family. Transportation assistance may also be required, as driving is an essential function of this role. Overall, the Community Support Specialist is dedicated to promoting wellness and inspiring hope within the communities served by Compass Health Network.

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, and participate in the development of Wellness Plans.
• Support clients in achieving goals outlined in their Wellness Plans, reviewing and updating as necessary.
• Aid clients in accessing public services such as financial assistance, housing, and food resources.
• 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 as required.
• Follow up with clients regarding appointments and necessary documentation.
• Re-engage clients who have unexcused absences from the CSTAR program to promote recovery efforts.
• 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 and treatment plans.
• Make referrals to additional services and providers as needed for clients' integrated health needs.
• Seek culturally competent services to meet the unique needs of clients and their 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, or a combination of higher education and experience.
• 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 integrated health care teams and collaborative treatment planning.

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