Community Support Specialist

TeamBuilders Behavioral Health•Rio Rancho, NM

About The Position

TeamBuilders is a community-based behavioral health organization that provides care to adults, children, and families. The Community Support Specialist (CSS) is part of a multidisciplinary treatment team delivering Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS), Behavioral Respite Care (RSP), and/or Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR). The CSS provides direct support, advocacy, and assistance to people experiencing behavioral health challenges who meet New Mexico criteria for Severe Mental Illness (SMI), Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), and/or Co-occurring Disorder (COD). The role supports clients and families in pursuing wellness, independence, and stability in their communities by connecting them with services, encouraging skill development, and supporting recovery goals. The CSS collaborates with behavioral health professionals, families, and community resources and partners. TeamBuilders describes a workplace that promotes work-life balance and creativity and encourages employees to pursue their passions and educational opportunities. The organization offers supervision and training opportunities and expects employees to pursue excellence in community service. The position provides school-, home-, and community-based support as needed or directed and includes timely client documentation, team coordination, and participation in supervision, meetings, seminars, and training. Pay is $16–$20 an hour.

Requirements

Meet one of the following minimum education and experience qualifications: a bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field and one year of experience working with adults with SMI; an associate degree in a human services-related field and two years of experience working with adults with SMI; a high school diploma or GED and three years of experience working with adults with SMI; or meet the State of New Mexico minimum requirements for a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS).
Experience working with individuals impacted by mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders.
Obtain criminal records clearance at the local, state, and FBI levels.
Maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.
Maintain Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification.
Demonstrate skills in teaching the curriculum to consumer family members.
Have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.
Be willing and able to travel throughout the service area.

Responsibilities

Follow and uphold TeamBuilders’ philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
Comply with program service requirements and state regulations for care to children with SED, adults with SMI, and individuals with COD and other chronic health conditions.
Build helping partnerships with clients and collateral practitioners, including educational professionals, corrections personnel, child welfare workers, and natural supports, to accomplish service goals and objectives.
Set and maintain professional boundaries to protect client safety and preserve the helping role.
Complete and document an initial mental health or functional assessment identifying strengths, needs, and barriers within 72 hours of providing service.
Document service activities and complete service activity notes within 24 hours of providing service.
Complete and update service plans and team meeting forms as required; service plans are due within 72 hours of providing service.
Seek program and/or clinical supervision immediately regarding incidents, complete incident reports according to agency policy, and submit documentation in a timely manner.
Attend and participate in weekly supervision meetings, staff meetings, clinical seminars, CQI meetings, and training sessions as assigned.
Initiate, complete, update, and maintain client documentation in accordance with agency and applicable state and federal standards.
Coordinate, facilitate, and participate in team meetings to review client progress and needs.
Submit completed documentation promptly as directed for billing and CQI purposes.
Provide school-, home-, and community-based support services as needed or directed.
Seek consultation and assistance when needed.
Perform additional duties as assigned.