Community Support Specialist

CSS Position

This is a responsible position providing assistance and support to clients who are enrolled in a CSTAR substance abuse treatment program. The CSS provides services with or on behalf of a particular client in accordance with his/her individual rehabilitation plan to maximize the client's adjustment and functioning within the community while achieving sobriety and sustaining recovery, maximizing the involvement of natural support systems, and promoting client independence and responsibility.

The CSS is part of an interdisciplinary team that assists consumers suffering from chemical dependency. S/he identifies life problems with the client through a structured assessment process and arranges services for clients. S/he advocates for the client to obtain needed services and assistance to which the person is entitled and monitors the services provided. The CSS helps the client when s/he has a crisis.

Work is performed under the supervision of a counselor supervisor or program manager and reviewed through direct observation, reports, and staff conferences.

Examples of work may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Remains alert during working hours; attends work as scheduled, and complies with attendance policies.
2. Attends multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings to identify strengths and needs related to development of the individual's rehabilitation plan. Provides clear and concise information regarding client problems, progress, and plans in a timely manner. Updates the rehabilitation plan accordingly.
3. Attends periodic meetings with designated team members and the client, whenever feasible, to review and update the rehabilitation plan.
4. Contacts clients who have unexcused absence from the program in order to re-engage the person and promote recovery efforts.
5. Arranges and refers clients for services and resources and, when necessary, advocates on behalf of consumer to obtain the services.
6. Monitors service delivery by providers external to the program and ensures communication and coordination of services.
7. Locates and coordinates services and resources to resolve a crisis
8. Provides experiential training in life skills and resource acquisition.
9. Provides information and education to an individual in accordance with the person's rehabilitation plan.
10. Develops plans with the client, for his/her discharge.
11. Records and reports client participation, progress, and adjustment against treatment goals in a timely manner. Maintains timely, legible, clear, concise, and well organized tracking and other records of services provided.
12. Develops and maintains effective communication and professional, cooperative working relationships with public assistance, social service organizations, and members of staff.
13. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
14. Adheres to established ethical and behavioral standards of conduct and continuing professional development.
15. May transport clients to services and therapeutic activities, as required.
16. Dresses in appropriate business attire; is well groomed and professional in appearance.
17. Performs other related work, as assigned.

Examples of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Basic knowledge of substance use
• Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Basic knowledge and understanding of human behavior, attitudes, and motivation
• Working knowledge of current resources available to persons with substance abuse problems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Skill in resolving conflicts and negotiating with others
• Skill in developing positive and productive participant relationships
• Ability to negotiate complex service systems to obtain needed services and resources for participants while not making decisions or performing activities that the participant is fully capable of performing
• Ability to develop and maintain accurate, legible, organized records, and to prepare timely reports
• Ability to plan and organize working time effectively and to meet deadlines
• Ability to work harmoniously and professionally with state and local officials, employees, clients, client families, guardians, public agencies, and the general public
• Ability to work effectively with persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds and to respect individual differences
• Ability to collect and analyze information in making decisions concerning a client's treatment
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
• Ability to recognize potential ethical problems and address in ethical manner
• Ability to work with autonomy or with minimum direction

Requirements for the job:

Physical - Environmental - Mental

Bend, Sit, Is exposed to excessive noise, Read/Comprehend

Squat, Stand, Is around moving machinery, Write

Crawl, Walk, Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, Perform Calculations

Handle object(s), Works in confined quarters, Is exposed to dust, fumes, gases, radiation (microwave), Communicate orally

Reach above shoulder level, Other: Must be able to operate a motor vehicle

Must carry/lift loads of:

Light (up to 25 lbs.)

Experience and Education Qualifications

The following education and experience qualifications are the minimum requirement used to admit or reject applicants for consideration.

1. Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, nursing, or a related human services field from an accredited institution
2. Status as an intern or practicum student as defined in 9 CSR 10‑7.110(5)
3. Recognition as a DMH-recognized professional, including Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) or Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP)
4. Any four-year degree, or a combination of higher education and qualifying experience
5. Four years of qualifying experience providing services to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities
6. An Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support degree recognized by DMH
7. Qualifying experience may be substituted on the basis of (1) year for each year of the required educational training. Experience must include some combination of the following:
1. Providing one-on-one or group services with a rehabilitation/habilitation and recovery/resiliency focus
2. Teaching and modeling for individuals how to cope and manage psychiatric, developmental or substance use issues while encouraging the use of natural resources
3. Supporting efforts to find and maintain employment for individuals and/or to function appropriately in families, school and communities
4. Assisted individuals to achieve the goals and objectives on their individualized treatment or persona centered plans.

Necessary special qualifications:

• All candidates will be required to submit to a background screening. No candidate may be considered for employment who is under the supervision of Federal, State, County or Municipal Corrections Department nor have any pending felony or misdemeanor charges other than minor traffic charges.
• Driving is required for this position. The successful candidate must have and remain in possession of a valid current driver's license, automobile insurance, and be insurable under the agency's motor vehicle insurance policy.
• All candidates for employment must meet the established minimum qualifications for employment as identified by the applicable regulatory agencies.

This position is classified as at-will, meaning employment may be ended by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, as allowed by law.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Current certification in CPR and First Aid may be required for this position.