ACT-Young Adult Community Support Specialist

East Bay Community Action Program•Barrington, RI

102d•Onsite

About The Position

The ACT-Young Adult Community Support Specialist is a key member of EBCAP’s high-acuity behavioral health programs, including ACT I, ACT II, and ACT-YA. The role provides wraparound support, case management, care coordination, and community-based services to young adults living with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders. Working within a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) care model, the Specialist collaborates with medical, psychiatric, vocational, and recovery-focused providers to help clients build independence, improve wellness, and pursue personal goals. This is a primarily community-based position that includes client transportation responsibilities. The schedule includes rotating weekend coverage approximately every 4 to 6 weeks from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, as well as holiday coverage, typically 2 to 4 holidays per year, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field; or an associate degree with at least two years of direct experience in community-based behavioral health, case management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience working with high-acuity behavioral health populations.
One to two years of experience working with adolescents and young adults in community behavioral health, school, or residential settings for ACT-YA services.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment in community settings.
Valid Rhode Island driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Strong advocacy and problem-solving abilities.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Active listening and motivational interviewing techniques.
De-escalation and crisis management capabilities.
Time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently in community settings.
Ability to collaborate and work as part of multidisciplinary teams.
Documentation and electronic health record proficiency.
Commitment to person-centered, recovery-oriented care.

Nice To Haves

Experience within Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs.
Experience in Integrated Health Home environments.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese and English.
Familiarity with supported employment and vocational rehabilitation resources.
Knowledge of community-based recovery and rehabilitation models.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary care coordinator for an assigned caseload.
Develop and implement comprehensive care plans supporting clients’ physical, behavioral, and social well-being.
Coordinate medical, dental, specialty, and behavioral health appointments.
Assist clients with transportation, scheduling, and following through with treatment.
Support medication adherence through education, reminders, pharmacy coordination, and motivational strategies.
Collaborate with hospital staff and clinical providers to support transitions after hospitalization or higher levels of care.
Promote health education, symptom management, and chronic disease management.
Advocate for clients across healthcare, education, legal, housing, and social service systems.
Build productive relationships with families, guardians, schools, landlords, healthcare providers, and community agencies.
Participate in multidisciplinary treatment planning and care coordination meetings.
Monitor client well-being and promptly communicate safety concerns or changes in functioning.
Help clients access housing, benefits, transportation, food, and other resources that support stability and independence.
Help clients identify triggers and develop relapse prevention strategies.
Support recovery planning and strengthen natural and community support systems.
Conduct urine toxicology screening and breathalyzer testing when required.
Reinforce recovery education under the guidance of licensed substance use treatment professionals.
Assess clients’ educational and employment interests and connect them with vocational resources.
Support progress toward educational, employment, and independent living goals.
Maintain accurate documentation and comply with regulatory and program standards.
Participate in trainings, continuing education, committees, and quality improvement initiatives.
Contribute to the ongoing development of EBCAP’s CCBHC service model.
Participate in rotating weekend and holiday coverage schedules.