Community Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

TeamBuilders is a community-based behavioral health organization with a vision to provide unconditional care to adults, children and families. TeamBuilders’ commitment also translates to its employees and their families. TeamBuilders truly promotes work-life balance and creativity. TeamBuilders encourages employees to pursue their passions, participate in educational opportunities, and enjoy the work they do. TeamBuilders offers supervision and training opportunities to all its staff. TeamBuilders also sets high expectations for achieving excellence in service to the community. The pursuit of excellence is fundamental to employee success and growth within the organization.

Why Join TeamBuilders?

We don’t just care for our clients; we care for our employees. In addition to competitive wages, TeamBuilders offers one of the most robust benefit packages in the industry.  

Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits 

Full-time status and eligibility for a full array of benefits begin at just 30 hours per week: 

• TeamBuilders pays up to 89% of your medical premiums (BCBSNM) with an employee contribution as low as $39.60 per bi-weekly pay period!

• TeamBuilders covers 75% of the total premium cost for both Dental and Vision, leaving you with just a 25% contribution (as low as $3.00 per bi-weekly pay period for dental and as low as $0.73 bi-weekly for vision).

Generous Paid Time Off for Full-Time and Part-Time Staff:

• Vacation Leave: Tiered accrual, the longer you stay, the more you earn, and it rolls over!; 

• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued for every 30 hours worked (all staff); 

• 10 Paid Holidays: Full 8-hour days or 80 hours of paid holiday time for full-time employees (prorated for part-time regular employees); and,

• Maternity/Paternity Leave: 40 hours of paid Parental Leave (prorated for part-time regular employees); and, 

• Bereavement Leave: 40 hours of paid Funeral Leave (prorated for part-time regular employees).  

Annual Reimbursement Allowance (prorated by employment status): 

• $200.00 reimbursement for license exam fees and prep materials

• $250.00 reimbursement for initial and annual professional license renewal fees

• $250.00 reimbursement for continuing education fees 

Employee Referral Bonus: 

• Refer a successful hire and earn up to a $500.00 referral bonus!

Looking Out for Your Financial Future:

• 401(k) Match: 50% employer match of the first 6% of income contributed (up to 3% additional pre-tax compensation) after one year of service with a minimum of 1,000 hrs worked;

• Voluntary Life & Disability: Comprehensive coverage options to protect you and your family; and, 

• Student Loan Repayment: All TeamBuilders locations are HRSA-approved NHSC sites. You may be eligible for federal NHSC Loan Repayment programs worth up to $250,000.00 toward your educational debt.

A Pay Structure That Puts You in Control

We utilize a transparent Pay-for-Performance (P4P) model because we believe your dedication and hard work should be directly rewarded. At TeamBuilders, we recognize you as a professional with the capacity to drive your own career, dictate your own schedule, and maximize your earnings.

• Empowered Earnings & Flexible Scheduling: Our system is designed to reward engagement and therapeutic impact while giving you the freedom to manage your own time. The more direct care you provide, the more you earn. It’s that simple.

• Compensation for Every Minute: We value every aspect of your professional contribution. While direct care earns our highest rates, you are also fully compensated for travel, administrative tasks, clinical supervision, and ongoing training.

Ready to Make a Difference?!

If you’re passionate about serving New Mexico’s communities and want a career that supports your professional growth and personal well-being, we want to hear from you!

Position Summary:
The Community Support Specialist (CSS) is part of a multidisciplinary treatment team providing Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS), Behavioral Respite Care (RSP), and/or Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) services. The CSS provides support, advocacy, and assistance to individuals meeting New Mexico criteria for Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), Severe Mental Illness (SMI), and/or Co-occurring Disorder (COD). The CSS helps clients achieve wellness, stability and independence, connecting them to services, promoting skills development and supporting recovery goals. Works collaboratively with families, other behavioral health professionals and community resources.

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position.

General Duties & Responsibilities:

• Knows, and upholds TeamBuilders’ philosophy, policies & procedures, and standards of conduct.

• Understands and complies with requirements for provision of care to clients impacted by SED/NBD, SMI and/or COD.

• Works collaboratively with clients, families and other stakeholders.

• Collects & reviews psychiatric and medical treatment records, criminal histories & school records.

• Coordinates and facilitates Team Meetings with natural supports, caregivers, parent(s)/ guardian(s), probation officer, protective services, etc.

• Sets and maintains professional boundaries to assure the safety and protection of the client.

• Completes initial mental health and functional assessment identifying strengths, needs, and barriers within 72hrs of service rendering. 

• Completes/updates service plans & team meeting forms as required & within 72hrs of service rendering.

• Documents all other service activities within 24hrs of service rendering. 

• Utilizes CORE Learning or other tools/curriculum to support life skills development.

• Plans/coordinates/implements life and psychosocial skills development activities in accordance with the individualized service plan.

• Immediately seeks program and/or clinical supervision regarding incidents and completes Incident Reports per Agency policy and submits documentation in a timely manner.

• Responsible for initiation, completion, and updates or maintenance of client documentation in accordance with agency and state/federal applicable standards.  

• Participates in clinical seminars & training, supervision and staff meetings as assigned.

• Completes and submits timely documentation for billing, payroll, and compliance purposes.

• Performs school, home, and community-based services as needed or directed.

• Seeks consultation and assistance when needed.

• Additional duties as assigned.

Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) - All TeamBuilders Service Areas :

• Provide individualized face-to-face or in-person support services to clients and families with behavioral health needs in home-, community-, and office-based settings.

• Assist clients in accessing social services, benefits, housing, healthcare, and transportation.

• Facilitate/encourage use of coping strategies, self-management skills, and resiliency techniques.

• Document client progress, challenges, and achievements using agency record-keeping systems.

• Assist with crisis intervention and connect to emergency or higher-level care when required.

• Promote engagement in group activities, peer support, and community integration efforts.

• Provide psychoeducation in behavioral health conditions, wellness practices, coping skills, etc.

Behavioral Respite Care (RSP) and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (PSR): 

• Participates in the provision of RSP or PSR as assigned and scheduled.

• Understands and complies with training, supervision and documentation requirements.

• Supports children and/or adults with daily living activities which may include transporting to scheduled activities, planning recreational activities, preparing and supervising meals, facilitating daily living routines, supervising self-administration of medications, and managing behavior.

• Demonstrates interpersonal and professional skills necessary to provide services to the child/adult/family: empathy, warmth, concern; positive attitude; nonjudgmental attitude; communication and conflict resolution skills; de-escalation and behavior management skills.

• Responsible for activity programming, providing close supervision at all times.

• Provides behavioral health care that is family-centered, community-, home- and/or facility-based in accordance with Agency policy and the Individualized Plan of Care.

• Engages clients in activities that address choice, self-advocacy, self-management, and community integration.

Minimum Skills / Competencies Required: 

• Meet Behavioral Healthcare Documentation Requirements - Ability to document service activity in a timely fashion, express information clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology, avoiding jargon, and structuring information logically, thoroughly and accurately. 

• Positive Language & Attitude - Ability to approach interactions with a positive and helpful tone, maintaining a helpful and upbeat demeanor even in challenging situations.

• Effective Communication - Ability to engage in active listening, considering perspective and feelings of others to build rapport and foster collaboration, working as a member of a team.

• Proactive Communication - Ability to keep treatment team members informed of progress,  potential barriers, serious incidents, receiving and conveying information clearly and accurately.

• Professionalism & Teamwork - Ability to adhere to ethical standards, represent organization in a positive manner, show respect for opinions, contributions, and perspectives of all team members. 

• Reliability - Ability of clients, families, stakeholders, supervisors, and colleagues trust that you will follow through to a high standard and meet expectations without constant monitoring.

• Reflection & Self-Assessment - Ability to reflect on your experiences, evaluate your progress, and identify areas for growth and improvement.

• Time Management & Organization - Ability to allocate time and create a structured & efficient workflow, prioritizing and completing necessary tasks without constant oversight or direction.

• Adaptability & Problem Solving - Ability to adjust thoughts, behaviors, and strategies in response to new situations, challenges, and feedback with the capacity to identify issues, analyze information, evaluate options, and find creative solutions to challenges.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• Must meet one of the following minimum education and experience requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a human services related field plus 1 year of experience working with target population (SED/NBD, SMI and/or COD); or, 

  • Associate degree in a human services related field plus 2 years of experience working with target population (SED/NBD, SMI and/or COD); or,

  • High School Diploma or General Education Development plus 3 years of experience working with target population (SED/NBD, SMI and/or COD); and/or,

  • Be a Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) by the State of New Mexico.

• Obtain a Criminal Records Clearance (local, state, and FBI).

• Maintain certifications in First Aid and CPR.

• Maintain certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI).

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.

• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the service area.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and travel within the community for extended periods.

• May require lifting or moving light objects or assisting clients physically on occasion.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in the client home, school, community, and office environments. <