Community Support Specialist

Overview A Community Support Specialist helps individuals adapt to living in their communities by creating personalized plans that address their specific needs. They use evidence-based techniques and collaborate with other professionals to provide comprehensive mental health services, empowering clients and families to build strong foundations for long-term wellbeing and independence. By connecting clients with local resources and fostering a robust support network they promote growth, stability, and resilience. Primary Responsibilities Provide community-based mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention implementation. Collaborate with clients, families, and stakeholders to develop individualized treatment plans addressing specific needs and goals. Utilize a strengths-based, evidence-based approach (Motivational Interviewing, Positive Reinforcement, Trauma-Informed Strategies, CBT, DBT). Deliver behavioral interventions: motivational interviewing, operant conditioning, interpersonal and group dynamics, cognitive processing, and other evidence-based techniques. Coordinate care with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, schools, and community organizations. Maintain accurate, timely client records per organizational policies. Participate in staff development and training to enhance youth mental health knowledge. Contribute to quality improvement initiatives: data collection, analysis, reporting. Work collaboratively with case managers, therapists, and support staff to coordinate care. Develop relationships with stakeholders (parents, teachers, counselors, etc.). Prepare and facilitate PSR group sessions as needed. Perform additional duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of case management and rehabilitation methods for mental health and substance use disorders. Understanding of community resources and legal requirements for treatment. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to produce clear reports. Self‑motivated performance, ability to multitask and coordinate services. Build effective relationships with youth and families via telephone and personal contact. Follow direction and accept supervision. Experience & Education Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or another human services field. Alternatives: Bachelor’s in an unrelated field + 2 years of related work, or four-year degree + 2 years related experience, or Associate’s of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support. Four years of qualifying experience (delivery of services to individuals with mental health, substance use, or developmental disabilities) plus: One‑on‑one or group services focused on rehabilitation, recovery, or resiliency. Teaching and modeling coping mechanisms, encouraging natural resource use. Supporting employment and functional community roles. Assisting achievement of individual treatment plan goals. Illinois Requirements Bachelor’s in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related field; OR High school diploma/GED + 5 years supervised clinical experience in mental health or human services. Employment Requirements Successful background check: criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, fingerprint check. Completion of New Hire Orientation, Relias training, and annual training. Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance. Obtain trainings to assist in professional development meeting DMH Standards. Extensive knowledge of program policies, procedures, and regulations. Age minimums: 21 for company vehicle operation; 23 for 15‑passenger van; reliable transportation for client transport. Physical Requirements ADA consideration: Sedentary work with occasional lifting up to 10 pounds. Requires repetitive hand/finger movements, occasional walking or standing. Position Perks & Benefits Paid time off for full‑time employees. Health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance. Comprehensive initial and ongoing training. Career mobility and advancement opportunities. Supportive work culture promoting well‑being and inclusivity. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace We are a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr