Community Support Specialist

About the position

The Community Support Specialist provides integrated, holistic, community-based support services. This role is essential in delivering quality and compassionate care to the communities served, particularly in the context of mental health and substance use treatment. The position involves working closely with clients to develop and implement Wellness Plans that support their recovery and resiliency goals. The specialist will engage in various activities, including education, skill-building, and assisting clients in accessing necessary public services. The role also requires active communication with an integrated health team to ensure comprehensive care for clients.

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 completing goals identified on Wellness Plans and review these plans as needed.
• Aid clients in accessing public services such as financial assistance, housing, and food.
• 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.
• Provide individual assistance to clients in accessing needed services and accompany them to appointments as necessary.
• 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 other members of the integrated health team regarding client wellness and medication adherence.
• Seek input from integrated health team providers on clients' Wellness Plans.
• Make referrals to additional services/providers as needed for clients' integrated health needs.
• Function as a liaison to others involved in clients' treatment, including family, employers, and legal entities.
• 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.
• At least four years of experience in a relevant field if no degree is obtained.
• At least two years of experience if an Associate's degree is the highest education obtained.
• At least one year of experience 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 required.

Nice-to-haves

• Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in a human service-related field preferred.
• Experience in community-based support services.

Benefits

• $1500 sign-on bonus, with an additional $500 for Qualified Mental Health Professionals.
• 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.