Community Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Community Support Specialist

Reports To: VP of Mobile Support Services

Program: HOME

Location: Valley Cottage, NY/Hybrid

Hours Per Week: 35

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Salary Range: $47,ooo-$52,ooo

Summary Description: The  HOME Community Support Specialist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team providing services to individuals struggling with homelessness or housing instability as well as co-occurring medical and behavioral health challenges. The Community Support Specialist supports shared knowledge of and connection to community resources, skill-building development, navigating complex systems, and collaboration with other providers and informal supports for a shared caseload with the other members of the HOME team.

Responsibilities:

• Outreach and engagement with individuals in the community (e.g., homes, shelters, DSS office, community agencies, public spaces) to provide support to those who are experiencing housing instability or homelessness as a result of behavioral health challenges and skills deficits
• Provide case management support including but not limited to navigating insurance benefits, referral to community resources and appropriate follow-up, assisting with transportation, advocacy and empowerment
• Provide skill-building opportunities and modeling activities of daily living
• Collaborate with team members (e.g., clinicians, case managers, housing navigators) to ensure continuity of care.
• Assist clients in identifying personal goals, building motivation, and navigating resources (e.g., housing, healthcare, benefits, recovery services).
• Accompany clients to appointments and community resources as needed.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and supervision to support collaboration and professional development.
• Document all services provided in the electronic health record.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of behavioral diagnoses and symptomatology.
• Familiarity with community resources.
• Effective client engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Proficiency in using Electronic Health Record systems.
• Practice in a recovery-oriented, person-centered methodology.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Upholds strong client engagement and provides consistent services.
• Establishes successful linkages to community resources and transitions to formal supports
• Maintains timely and accurate documentation.
• Meets established productivity expectations for billable client services.
• Positive client outcomes and satisfaction.
• Effective collaboration with the support team.

Requirements:

• Associate’s degree required in a relevant field of study (E.g. social work, psychology, human services, rehabilitation, education, community mental health, sociology, or other human services field).
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 6-12 months of experience working in human services, direct care, or working closely with individuals with mental health disorders highly preferred. 
• Individuals with lived experience encouraged to apply.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
• Must have a valid Driver's License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• Obtain and maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification within 30 days of hire.
• Basic computer knowledge: typing, communication tools, scheduling tools and web browsers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems.
• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United   States without sponsorship.

Special Considerations:

• This is a mobile program, requiring a large portion of direct care services to be provided in home and community-based settings.
• Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change per program needs.

Mandated Reporter:

This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report. 

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.