Community Support Specialist

$51,043 - $53,685/Yr

Compass Health Network - Wentzville, MO

Full-time - Entry Level

Wentzville, MO

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Community Support Specialist plays a crucial role in providing integrated, holistic, community-based support services to individuals facing mental health challenges and substance use issues. This position is essential in delivering quality and compassionate care to the communities served by Compass Health Network. The specialist will utilize a motivational, stage-matched approach to offer individualized and group education services tailored to the strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of clients and their families. The focus is on supporting clients in their journey toward recovery and resiliency goals, ensuring that services are delivered from a holistic perspective that incorporates the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. In this role, the Community Support Specialist will assist clients in identifying their strengths and needs related to substance abuse and mental illness, participating in the development of personalized Wellness Plans. The specialist will support clients in achieving their goals, regularly reviewing and updating these plans as necessary. Additionally, the specialist will aid clients in accessing public services such as financial assistance, housing, and food resources, while maintaining contact with hospitalized clients and participating in discharge planning. The position also involves providing education and skill-building in various areas, including daily living skills, employment, symptom management, and budgeting, with the aim of fostering independence. The specialist will work collaboratively with clients to develop personal support systems and will assist them in accessing necessary services, including accompanying them to appointments. Communication with other members of the integrated health team is vital, as the specialist will coordinate with psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and other providers to ensure comprehensive care for clients. This role requires a commitment to culturally competent services and may involve transportation assistance as clinically indicated.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group education services based on clients' strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
• Assist clients in developing Wellness Plans and support them in achieving their goals.
• 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 areas such as daily living skills, employment, and symptom management.
• Help clients develop personal support systems, including family and recovery communities.
• Assist clients in accessing needed services and accompany them to appointments as necessary.
• Follow up with clients regarding appointments and documentation requirements.
• Re-engage clients who have unexcused absences from the CSTAR program to promote recovery efforts.
• Communicate actively with integrated health team members regarding client wellness and treatment needs.

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 working with individuals with psychiatric, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities if no degree is obtained.
• 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.
• A valid driver's license and agency-established minimum automobile coverage are required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a community health setting.
• Knowledge of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness framework.
• Familiarity with public service resources available to clients.

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