Community Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Community Support Specialist serves as a key member of the SAMHSA Tribal Behavioral Health for Urban American Indian Youth Project. This position provides direct support, outreach, advocacy, resource navigation, and care coordination for American Indian youth, young adults through age 24, and their families who are experiencing behavioral health challenges or are at risk for suicide.

The Community Support Specialist works collaboratively with schools, healthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, tribal organizations, community partners, and families to improve access to services, reduce barriers to care, promote wellness, and strengthen protective factors. This position serves as a bridge between youth, families, service providers, and community resources while supporting grant objectives and suicide prevention efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Participant Engagement and Support

• Build trusting relationships with youth, young adults, and families.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities within schools, community settings, and partner organizations.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for program participants and families.
• Support participant engagement in behavioral health, medical, educational, and community services.
• Assist participants in identifying strengths, goals, and support needs.

Resource Navigation and Referral Coordination

• Connect participants and families to behavioral health, medical, educational, cultural, housing, food, transportation, and social service resources.
• Facilitate referrals and ensure successful connections to services.
• Monitor referral completion and participant engagement.
• Assist participants in overcoming barriers to care and treatment.

Suicide Prevention and Behavioral Health Support

• Support youth identified as being at risk for suicide through timely connection to appropriate services.
• Participate in safety planning and follow up activities under the direction of licensed professionals.
• Promote awareness of suicide prevention resources and crisis services.
• Support implementation of evidence based and culturally responsive prevention activities.

School and Community Partnerships

• Coordinate with schools, healthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, and community organizations.
• Participate in multidisciplinary care team meetings.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners.
• Support school based behavioral health and wellness initiatives.

Outreach, Education, and Community Engagement

• Participate in community education and outreach activities.
• Assist with prevention events, youth activities, wellness programs, and cultural programming.
• Promote available services and behavioral health resources throughout the community.
• Represent the organization at meetings, events, and community gatherings.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate participant records and service documentation.
• Track outreach activities, referrals, follow up services, and participant outcomes.
• Assist with grant reporting and data collection requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies.

Organizational Support

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Support organization wide initiatives and community health activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No direct supervisory responsibilities.
• May assist with training interns, volunteers, and students.
• Provides peer support and collaboration with grant team members and community partners.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree preferred in:

• Human Services
• Social Work
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Health
• Community Health
• Education
• Related Field

Associate's Degree with relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum two years of experience in community outreach, behavioral health, social services, youth programs, education, care coordination, or related fields.
• Experience working with youth and families required.
• Experience working with American Indian communities preferred.
• Experience supporting behavioral health, suicide prevention, or recovery services preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community resources and referral systems.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills.
• Ability to engage youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of trauma informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Working Conditions

• Occasional evening and weekend events required.
• Local travel within the community required.
• Valid driver's license and insurable driving record required.
• Successful completion of background checks required.