Supportive Housing Specialist

Supportive Housing Specialist

About Heritage Behavioral Health Center

Heritage Behavioral Health Center has served individuals and families across central Illinois for over 70 years. Our Supportive Housing Program reflects our commitment to helping adults with mental health and/or co-occurring substance use diagnoses live as independently and healthfully as possible. Guided by the principles of Community Supportive Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and Housing First, we meet clients where they are - fostering overall well-being, community connection, and lasting stability.

Position Summary

The Supportive Housing Specialist provides on-site formal and informal support to adults with mental health diagnoses and/or co-occurring substance use diagnoses residing in Heritage's supportive housing program in Decatur, Illinois. This role is primarily based in the community center at the supportive housing site and focuses on individual and group engagement, wellness activities, social gatherings, life skills programming, recreational opportunities, and community integration. The Specialist fosters a welcoming, recovery-oriented environment that promotes overall well-being, belonging, and independence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Build genuine, trusting relationships with clients through consistent, respectful, and recovery-oriented engagement
• Facilitate individual and group supportive activities in the on-site community center including wellness programming, life skills groups, social gatherings, and recreational events
• Plan, coordinate, and lead resident/peer social gatherings and on-site group activities such as shared meals, themed events, and community outings
• Organize and host on-site health screening days in collaboration with nursing staff and community health partners
• Support clients in developing natural support systems and building peer connections within the housing community
• Provide informal supportive conversation and active listening to help clients navigate daily stressors
• Facilitate community integration activities by connecting clients to faith-based communities, support groups (AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, Mood Tides), peer recovery centers, and local events
• Share information on educational opportunities, vocational training, volunteer activities, and advocacy events to promote client growth and self-sufficiency
• Assist clients in learning to navigate community systems and identify transportation options for independent access to services
• Support clients in understanding and practicing illness self-management techniques using WRAP and other evidence-based frameworks
• Provide community support services including facilitation of coping skills, interpersonal skills, and functional skills development
• Refer and link clients to behavioral health, healthcare, public benefits, and social service resources as needed
• Assist clients in understanding and meeting obligations under their tenancy agreements
• Support the development and distribution of a monthly programming calendar in coordination with the Peer Advisory Council
• Document all client contacts and service activities in the electronic health record within required timeframes
• Participate in service plan development and progress reviews in collaboration with case management and clinical staff
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment in the community center at all times
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and required training including evidence-based practice certifications
• Provide awake on-site coverage as part of the scheduled staffing rotation, including evenings or weekends as assigned
• Support crisis prevention and response by identifying client distress and alerting appropriate clinical staff or the 24-hour crisis line

Minimum Qualifications

• Meets the minimum credential of a Rehabilitative Services Associate (RSA) as defined by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health - OR - meets the definition of a Mental Health Professional (MHP) as defined by Illinois DHS DMH
• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred
• Experience working with individuals with mental illness, substance use challenges, housing instability, or similar populations is strongly preferred
• Valid Illinois driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience facilitating groups or recreational programming in a human services setting
• Familiarity with WRAP, motivational interviewing, or other recovery-oriented frameworks
• Knowledge of local Decatur/Macon County community resources

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Genuine commitment to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and Housing First values
• Ability to engage effectively with individuals experiencing serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders
• Group facilitation and activity planning skills
• Strong interpersonal communication and active listening skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Basic documentation skills and comfort with electronic health record systems
• Reliability, flexibility, and ability to adapt to the varied needs of a community-based environment

Working Conditions

This position is primarily on-site at a Decatur supportive housing community center. Scheduled hours may include evenings and weekends based on programming needs . Community-based outings and transportation of clients may be required. The role requires the ability to be physically present and active during programming and events.

Salary:

High School Degree/GED: $18.00/hour + every other Friday paid off

Mental Health Professional: $23.00/hour + every other Friday paid off

Bachelor's Degree: $25.00/hour + every other Friday paid off

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Paid wellness day off every other week
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan
• Ongoing professional development, training, and CEU support
• A mission-driven, collaborative team environment