Community Support Specialist - Substance Use Recovery

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Help people build healthier, more independent lives through compassionate, community-based support.

As a Community Support Specialist (CSTAR) , you'll partner with adults experiencing behavioral health and substance use challenges, helping them identify strengths, overcome barriers, and achieve meaningful recovery goals. Working in homes, the community, and office settings, you'll provide person-centered support, connect individuals to essential resources, and collaborate with an integrated care team to promote whole-person wellness and long-term success.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building meaningful relationships, thrives in community-based work, and is passionate about empowering others through recovery-focused, strengths-based care. If you're motivated by helping people achieve greater independence and wellness while working as part of a collaborative healthcare team, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group community support services using a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach.
• Partner with individuals to identify strengths, establish wellness goals, and support progress toward greater independence. 
• Connect clients with healthcare, housing, financial, employment, educational, and other community resources. 
• Teach and reinforce skills that promote daily living, wellness, recovery, and long-term stability. 
• Coordinate care with interdisciplinary providers, family members, community partners, and other supports. 
• Assist with care transitions, discharge planning, referrals, and ongoing engagement in services. 
• Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments when clinically appropriate. 
• Maintain timely documentation, complete required screenings, and meet service delivery expectations. 
• Respond appropriately to behavioral health or medical emergencies while maintaining a safe environment. 
• Deliver services in office, home, and community settings based on client needs.

Requirements, Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• High School/GED required
• Associate's/Bachelor's degree in a human service-related field preferred 
• Must qualify for position based on overall CSS requirements in at least one of the options listed: 
  • Qualified addiction professional; 
  • Bachelor's degree in a human services field; 
  • Any four-year degree or combination of higher education and qualifying experience; 
  • Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support degree as designated by the Department of Mental Health; or 
  • Four years of qualifying experience 
• All higher education degrees must be from a college or university included in the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited schools. 
• Qualifying experience must include delivery of service to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities. 
• A valid, unrestricted driver's license and agency-established minimum automobile insurance coverage required.

• Must obtain and maintain current CPR certification within 60 days of hire. 
• Must obtain and maintain certification in an approved crisis intervention methodology (CPI, MANDT, or CALM) within 60 days of hire. 

You'll be a great fit for this role if you:

• Believe in the power of recovery and approach every person with respect, compassion, and hope. 
• Enjoy meeting people where they are and building trusting, supportive relationships. 
• Are comfortable working independently in community settings while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. 
• Have strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. 
• Adapt well to changing priorities and enjoy a role that combines office, community, and field-based work. 
• Are passionate about connecting people with resources that support lasting health, wellness, and independence.