Behavioral Health Support Specialist

Full Time

Buffalo, NY, US

Salary Range: $20.08 To $25.50 Annually

Spectrum Health & Human Services

Agency Profile: Spectrum Health & Human Services respectfully partners with adults, children and families as they recover from behavioral, emotional, mental health and/or substance related disorders by offering individualized and meaningful opportunities of hope, empowerment and support to achieve self-defined improvements in their quality of life.

LOCATION: 111 Maple Street, Buffalo

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Behavioral Health Support Specialist provides integrated, recovery-oriented services in alignment with Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) standards, combining Targeted Case Management and Psychiatric Rehabilitation to support individuals with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. The role focuses on care coordination, skill-building, and addressing social determinants of health to reduce barriers to treatment and promote stability, independence, and community integration. Working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, the Specialist supports individualized treatment plans and advances client-defined goals through engagement, advocacy, and continuity of care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Client-Facing and Recovery-Oriented Services

• Deliver psychiatric rehabilitation services through individual and group interventions that support clients in achieving functional, vocational, social, and life-role goals.

• Provide Targeted Case Management services, including care coordination, service linkage, referrals, advocacy, and follow-up to address barriers related to social determinants of health.

• Serve as a welcoming point of entry for new clients by orienting them to program services, client rights and responsibilities, and expectations to promote engagement and retention in care.

• Utilize Motivational Interviewing and person-centered planning approaches to strengthen engagement, promote self-determination, and support progress toward client-defined goals.

• Collaborate with clients and the interdisciplinary treatment team to implement services aligned with individualized treatment and action plans informed by comprehensive assessments.

• Coordinate with inpatient and other higher levels of care to support discharge planning and continuity of services.

• Support the development of natural and supportive social networks and encourage involvement of family members and collateral supports when clinically appropriate.

• Conduct outreach to clients who have missed appointments to promote re-engagement and continuity of care.

• Provide services in office-based, community-based, and telehealth settings in accordance with program needs and client preferences.

Care Coordination and Operational Support

• Maintain ongoing communication with internal and external service providers, including community, forensic, and referral partners, to support coordinated care.

• Assist clinical staff with preparation of court-related documentation, referral source reports, and routine client status updates, as applicable.

• Support care coordination activities through completion and maintenance of required consents for the release of information.

• Assist in maintaining current community resource information and sharing relevant updates with the treatment team.

• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and required agency training to support quality service delivery and professional development.

Documentation, Quality, and Compliance

• Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record in accordance with agency, CCBHC, and regulatory standards.

• Track service delivery, utilization, and required data elements for assigned clients.

• Adhere to all organizational policies, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders and recovery-oriented systems of care.

• Working knowledge of community service systems, including housing, employment, education, medical, and social service resources.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse populations.

• Proficiency in electronic health records and standard office software; ability to learn new systems efficiently.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound professional judgment, and remain effective in high-pressure or crisis situations.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Demonstrated cultural humility and sensitivity to individuals with disabilities, trauma histories, and diverse backgrounds.

EDUCATION:

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent and 1–3 years of experience in a mental health or human services setting.

• Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field, with at least 1 year of relevant experience.

OTHER:

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License, a satisfactory driving record, and access to a personal vehicle for job-related travel (including client transport and community visits).

• Must be able to pass background checks as required by agency policy or funders.

COMPENSATION: $20.08-$25.60/hourly