Community Support Specialist (Adult)

Brightli • Sedalia, MO

12h

About The Position

A Community Support Specialist helps individuals adapt to living in their communities by creating personalized plans that address their specific needs. The specialist uses evidence-based techniques and collaborates with other professionals to provide comprehensive mental health services, empowering clients and their families to build foundations for long-term wellbeing and independence. By connecting clients with local resources and fostering support networks, the role promotes growth, stability, and resilience.

The position provides community-based mental health services to children, adolescents, and/or adults, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention implementation. The specialist works with clients, families, and other stakeholders on individualized treatment plans; uses strengths-based and evidence-based approaches; coordinates care with community providers; maintains records; participates in staff development and quality improvement; and collaborates with the care team. The role may include preparing and facilitating PSR group sessions when relevant to treatment goals. ACT/ACT TAY/IMPART assignments require knowledge of ACT fundamentals, theory, team processes, and services.

The position requires a qualifying combination of education and experience, successful completion of required background checks and onboarding training, and a current driver's license, acceptable driving record, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation for client transport. Specific minimum age requirements apply when operating company-owned vehicles. The role is classified as sedentary work, with occasional lifting or moving up to 10 pounds, repetitive hand and arm movements, and mostly sitting with occasional walking or standing.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or another specialized human services field; or a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field plus two years of related work experience; or a four-year combination of higher education and two years of related work experience; or an Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support; or four years of qualifying experience.
• Qualifying experience must include delivery of services to individuals with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities.
• Qualifying experience must include some combination of providing individual or group rehabilitation/habilitation and recovery/resiliency services; teaching and modeling coping and management skills while encouraging natural resources; supporting employment and functioning in family, school, and community settings; or helping individuals achieve treatment-plan goals.
• Knowledge of case management and rehabilitation methods, principles, and techniques related to mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of challenges faced by people with mental health and/or substance use disorders and of available community resources.
• Knowledge of treatment methods and modalities, as well as legal requirements and court procedures related to mental health and substance use disorders.
• Ability to problem-solve and communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing, including producing clear and concise reports.
• Ability to work independently and maintain high performance while meeting the complex needs of clients and families.
• Ability to multitask, coordinate services from community resources, and communicate appropriately with staff about admissions, processes, and discharge plans.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with youth and their families by telephone and in person.
• Ability to follow direction and accept supervision.
• Successful completion of background checks, including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint checks.
• Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment and required training, including Relias, at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
• Current driver's license, acceptable driving record, current auto insurance, and a reliable means of transportation to transport clients in a personal vehicle.
• Obtain professional development training meeting DMH Standards and maintain extensive knowledge of the policies, procedures, and regulations of the assigned program.
• Be at least 21 years old to operate a company-owned vehicle and at least 23 years old to operate a company-owned 15-passenger van.

Responsibilities

• Provide community-based mental health services to children, adolescents, and/or adults, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention implementation.
• Collaborate with clients, families, and other stakeholders to develop and implement individualized treatment plans addressing clients’ needs and goals.
• Use strengths-based approaches and evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Positive Reinforcement Techniques, Trauma-Informed Strategies, and skills based in CBT and DBT approaches.
• Provide behavioral interventions, including motivational interviewing, operant conditioning, interpersonal and group dynamics, cognitive processing, and other evidence-based interventions.
• Coordinate care with service providers such as primary care physicians, psychiatrists, schools, and community organizations.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of client interactions, treatments, and progress in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Participate in staff development activities, including training and education programs related to mental health services.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Collaborate with case managers, therapists, and support staff to coordinate care and client support effectively.
• Develop and maintain relationships with parents, teachers, counselors, and other professionals involved in clients’ care.
• Prepare for and facilitate PSR group sessions as appropriate to client treatment plan goals.
• Perform other duties assigned by a supervisor or deemed necessary by the department.

Benefits

• Paid time off package for full-time employees.
• Health, dental, vision, retirement, life, and other employee benefits for full-time employees.
• Initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive training.
• Career mobility and advancement opportunities, including promotion from within.
• A welcoming, warm, and supportive work culture that promotes employee well-being, health, and happiness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level