Community Support Specialist

Greater Mental Health of New York • Valley Cottage, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The HOME Community Support Specialist works as part of a multidisciplinary team providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability alongside medical and behavioral health challenges. The role supports connection to community resources, skill-building, navigation of complex systems, and coordination with providers and informal supports for a shared caseload.

This is a mobile program, with a large portion of direct-care services delivered in home and community-based settings. The position is based in Valley Cottage, New York, with a hybrid arrangement. Hours per week, reporting structure, and location may change according to program needs. This is a mandated reporter role under New York State Justice Center legislation.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in a relevant field, such as social work, psychology, human services, rehabilitation, education, community mental health, or sociology.
• 6–12 months of experience in human services, direct care, or working closely with individuals with mental health disorders is highly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the employer’s insurance carrier.
• Obtain and maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification within 30 days of hire.
• Basic computer knowledge, including typing, communication tools, scheduling tools, and web browsers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management systems.
• Fluency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Must pass and maintain applicable regulatory clearances.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Knowledge of behavioral diagnoses and symptomatology, familiarity with community resources, effective client engagement skills, and the ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Proficiency in electronic health record systems and practice using a recovery-oriented, person-centered methodology.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
• Lived experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and engagement in community settings, including homes, shelters, DSS offices, community agencies, and public spaces, with people experiencing housing instability or homelessness related to behavioral health challenges and skills deficits.
• Provide case management support, including help navigating insurance benefits, referrals to community resources and follow-up, transportation assistance, advocacy, and empowerment.
• Provide skill-building opportunities and model activities of daily living.
• Collaborate with team members, including clinicians, case managers, and housing navigators, to ensure continuity of care.
• Help clients identify personal goals, build motivation, and navigate housing, healthcare, benefits, and recovery resources.
• Accompany clients to appointments and community resources as needed.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and supervision.
• Document all services in the electronic health record.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree