Community Support Specialist - Youth

Compass Health Network • Festus, MO

3d

About The Position

The Community Support Specialist provides personalized, in-home and community-based support to youth and their families. The role helps young people and caregivers build resilience, navigate challenges, and make lasting changes, serving as an advocate and resource in their wellness journey. The position is suited to someone interested in children’s mental health, hands-on community work, and building relationships.

Services are strengths-based and holistic, guided by individualized Wellness Plans. The Specialist supports family engagement in treatment, coaches clients and caregivers, helps build skills and connect families with community resources, and collaborates with schools, healthcare providers, and other child-serving systems. The role may include crisis support and safety planning, regular communication with an integrated care team, and timely, accurate documentation. Work involves travel in the community to meet clients and families in their homes. Schedules may flex to meet client needs, with some evenings and weekends required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must qualify under at least one of the stated CSS qualification options: qualified addiction professional; bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university; any four-year degree or combination of higher education and qualifying experience; four years of qualifying experience; or an Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support degree as designated by the department.
• Qualifying experience must include delivering services to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license and agency-established minimum automobile coverage required.
• Compassion, patience, and energy in interactions.
• Comfort working in the field and meeting families in their homes or community settings.
• Ability to balance teamwork with independent work.
• Clear communication and ability to build trust with clients, families, and professional partners.
• Adaptability, solution-focused approach, and motivation to make a difference.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field preferred.
• Experience in the human services field; applicants new to the field are also welcome.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strengths-based, holistic services to youth and families based on individualized Wellness Plans.
• Support family engagement and participation in the treatment process.
• Provide coaching, skill-building, and access to community resources.
• Collaborate with school staff, healthcare providers, and other child-serving systems.
• Offer crisis support when needed and assist in developing safety plans.
• Communicate regularly with the client’s integrated care team.
• Document services accurately and timely in accordance with agency guidelines.
• Travel within the community to meet with clients and families in their homes.
• Flex schedule based on client needs, including some evenings and weekends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED