Community Support Team (CST) - Associate Professional (AP)

R&C Consulting Group, Inc.

Job Description: Community Support Team (CST) – Associate Professional (AP)

Department: Clinical Services
Position Title: Community Support Team – Associate Professional (AP)
Reports To: CST Team Lead / Clinical Director or Designee
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Setting: Community-Based and Office-Based Services
Service Area: Assigned R&C Consulting Group Location

Position Summary

The Community Support Team (CST) Associate Professional (AP) provides community-based behavioral health support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges and related functional difficulties. Working under appropriate clinical direction and supervision, the AP assists clients with developing daily living skills, accessing community resources, maintaining treatment engagement, and progressing toward individualized recovery goals.

The AP collaborates with Qualified Professionals (QPs), licensed clinicians, CST team members, families, and community providers to support person-centered, recovery-oriented services. The position requires accurate documentation, effective communication, respect for client rights, and adherence to applicable North Carolina regulations, NC Medicaid requirements, and R&C Consulting Group, Inc. policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Community-Based Client Support

• Provide assigned community-based support services consistent with the client’s approved service plan and the employee’s qualifications.
• Help clients identify personal strengths, needs, recovery goals, and barriers to treatment.
• Assist clients with accessing housing resources, transportation, employment services, educational opportunities, and other community supports.
• Encourage participation in treatment, recovery activities, and appropriate community programs.
• Promote independence, social functioning, and positive community integration.

2. Daily Living and Recovery Skills

• Support clients in developing practical skills that promote stability and independence.
• Assist with identifying routines, organizational strategies, communication skills, and problem-solving techniques.
• Reinforce recovery-oriented interventions and coping strategies established by the treatment team.
• Encourage appropriate use of community resources and natural support systems.
• Report changes in client functioning or support needs to the appropriate supervisor.

3. Implementation of Individualized Service Plans

• Carry out assigned interventions consistent with approved service plans and supervisory guidance.
• Assist clients with working toward identified goals and objectives.
• Observe and report progress, barriers, and changes in client needs.
• Participate in team meetings and case discussions as assigned.
• Refer questions regarding clinical interventions, assessments, or service plan modifications to the appropriate qualified or licensed professional.

4. Client Monitoring and Safety

• Observe client behavior, engagement, and general functioning during assigned service contacts.
• Recognize potential signs of emotional distress, behavioral health deterioration, or crisis.
• Promptly communicate safety concerns to the CST Team Lead, QP, or designated clinical supervisor.
• Follow established crisis response, emergency, incident reporting, and escalation procedures.
• Support client safety in accordance with organizational policies and assigned responsibilities.

5. Care Coordination and Community Resources

• Assist clients with connecting to approved behavioral health services and community-based resources.
• Communicate with authorized family members, service providers, and community partners as appropriate.
• Support follow-up activities and continuity of care under team direction.
• Help clients identify and address barriers to attending appointments or participating in services.
• Report unmet needs and referral barriers to the CST Team Lead or appropriate supervisor.

6. Documentation and Recordkeeping

• Complete accurate, timely, and objective progress notes and service records for services personally delivered.
• Document client participation, interventions provided, observed progress, and relevant service outcomes.
• Maintain records in accordance with organizational documentation standards and applicable payer requirements.
• Correct documentation deficiencies as directed and within established deadlines.
• Protect confidential client information in accordance with HIPAA, applicable privacy laws, and R&C policies.
• Never document services that were not provided or perform documentation functions outside the employee’s authorization.

7. Team Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively with QPs, licensed professionals, CST Team Leads, and other team members.
• Attend required staff meetings, case reviews, supervision sessions, and training.
• Communicate client updates, service barriers, and safety concerns promptly.
• Follow team assignments and supervisory instructions.
• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners.

8. Client Rights and Professional Ethics

• Respect client dignity, privacy, cultural differences, preferences, and right to participate in service decisions.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Follow organizational policies regarding confidentiality, informed consent, client grievances, and incident reporting.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other reportable concerns as required by law and organizational procedures.
• Demonstrate ethical conduct, accountability, and a commitment to person-centered care.

9. Administrative and Training Responsibilities

• Maintain assigned schedules, service records, and required productivity information.
• Complete mandatory orientation, training, competency assessments, and ongoing professional development.
• Participate in supervisory meetings and performance evaluations.
• Communicate scheduling conflicts and service delivery concerns promptly.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the position and the employee’s qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meets the applicable North Carolina Associate Professional (AP) classification requirements for the CST service.
• Education, training, and experience satisfy applicable North Carolina DHHS and NC Medicaid requirements.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in behavioral health, human services, community support, or a related field.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Basic knowledge of confidentiality, professional boundaries, client rights, and person-centered support.
• Ability to complete accurate documentation and follow established procedures.
• Ability to meet applicable background check, credentialing, training, and employment requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation when required for community-based duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health or behavioral health challenges.
• Experience in community-based services, psychosocial rehabilitation, case support, or related human services.
• Familiarity with electronic health records and clinical documentation systems.
• Knowledge of community resources and recovery-oriented support practices.

Core Competencies

• Client engagement and rapport building
• Communication and teamwork
• Community resource navigation
• Recovery-oriented support
• Observation and timely reporting
• Documentation and confidentiality
• Professional boundaries and ethical conduct
• Organization and accountability

Work Requirements

• Ability to work in office and community settings, as assigned.
• Ability to travel within the designated service area when required.
• Ability to maintain schedules, complete documentation, and meet required deadlines.
• Ability to participate in supervision, staff meetings, and mandatory training.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Performance Expectations

Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Accuracy and timeliness of service documentation.
• Compliance with organizational policies and applicable service requirements.
• Completion of assigned service activities and interventions.
• Appropriate communication and escalation of client concerns.
• Professional conduct, teamwork, and adherence to confidentiality requirements.
• Participation in required supervision, training, and performance improvement activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

R&C Consulting Group, Inc. is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable employment laws and organizational policies.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may be adjusted according to organizational needs, applicable regulations, and the employee’s qualifications and authorized scope of practice.