Community Support Specialist Veteran Focused

Heritage Behavioral Health Center•Decatur, IL

7d•$23 - $25

About The Position

Community Support Specialist – Veteran Focused Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals! About Heritage Behavioral Health Center We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold. Your Role: Community Support Specialist – Veteran Focused The Community Support Specialist (CSS) provides individualized, community-based behavioral health services to adults living with mental health and/or substance use challenges, with a specialized focus on serving Veterans. This role combines structured Community Support services with Veteran-informed peer engagement. The CSS works primarily in clients’ homes and community settings to enhance independent functioning, promote recovery, and build stability in real-life environments. When serving Veterans, the specialist utilizes their understanding of military culture and recovery principles to foster engagement, build trust, and support navigation of VA and community systems. The ideal candidate values flexibility, collaboration, and hands-on engagement, and is committed to helping individuals strengthen skills, increase self-sufficiency, and achieve meaningful recovery goals.

Requirements

Ability to work effectively with individuals with mental health and/or substance use diagnoses.
Strong understanding of recovery-oriented and person-centered practices.
Knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
Ability to engage individuals in home and community settings.
Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Ability to think clearly and respond appropriately in high-risk or emotional situations.
Comfort navigating electronic health record systems.
High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
Veteran status required
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with behavioral health challenges preferred.
Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or willingness to obtain, if applicable.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized, person-centered services designed to improve independent functioning in the community.
Deliver skill-building interventions in areas including: Medication management support Budgeting and financial literacy Household management and organization Meal planning and nutrition Transportation use and community navigation Healthcare coordination and appointment follow-through Development of social and communication skills
Monitor mental health and substance use symptoms and support stabilization efforts.
Assist individuals in accessing housing, employment, benefits, and community resources.
Model healthy coping strategies, daily routines, and positive decision-making.
Coordinate care alongside a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Demonstrate understanding of military culture and the unique experiences of Veterans.
Support Veterans in navigating VA services and community-based resources.
Promote engagement in behavioral health and recovery services.
Encourage self-advocacy, wellness planning, and resilience.
Provide culturally responsive services that honor the Veteran’s lived experience.

Benefits

Collaborative mission-driven work environment
Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC
Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off paid, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
Retirement: 401k and Roth
Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corp