Community Support Specialist

Heritage Behavioral Health Center • Decatur, IL

6h • $23 - $25

About The Position

As a Community Support Specialist in Macon County, you will provide skill-building, case management, and community-based mental health services to adults with mental health or co-occurring needs. This role is deeply relational and highly meaningful—you’ll help individuals build independence, navigate systems, improve emotional wellness, and remain stable in the community.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED + 5 years supervised mental health or social service experience
• Minimum 21 years of age
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance
• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use concerns.
• Knowledge of community resources and/or the ability to locate and navigate them.
• Knowledge of case management techniques and principles.
• Awareness of healthcare systems including psychiatric, substance use, medical, and related services.
• Ability to meet people “where they are” using a non-judgmental, person-centered approach.
• Strong rapport-building, communication, and engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently while being an effective team player.
• Competency in navigating electronic health records and technology-based documentation tools.
• Ability to adapt to ambiguity, uncertainty, and changing client needs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with supervisors and other clinical staff.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to client needs, supervisors, and team members.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or a human service field preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide case management, community support services, and manage an individual caseload.
• Engage clients via telephone and face-to-face contact, with most services delivered in community settings.
• Complete comprehensive needs assessments addressing mental health, substance use, medical, dental, vision, benefits, housing, education, employment, transportation, and other quality‑of-life factors.
• Assist individuals with applying for, obtaining, and maintaining resources such as medical coverage, SNAP, and SSI/SSDI.
• Document all services and tracking in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned or negotiated with the supervisor.
• Teach and practice coping skills to manage mental health, substance use, and health-related symptoms.
• Support skill-building for independent living including meal preparation, housekeeping, budgeting, time management, and other daily living activities.
• Provide coaching on life skills such as communication, personal care, and problem‑solving.
• Develop and support engagement in positive social and wellness activities, including rebuilding natural supports and connecting with community-based resources.
• Provide a wide range of supports to assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining stable housing.
• Provide medication monitoring and training: teach clients how to self-administer medications, identify side effects, and communicate with prescribers.
• Actively coordinate referrals and linkages to healthcare including primary care, specialty care, dental, vision, mental health, and substance use services.
• Advocate for housing accommodations, benefits access, and treatment needs as appropriate.
• Assist clients with accessing transportation options and improving transportation independence.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teamwork with clinicians, nurses, healthcare providers, probation, DCFS, and other partners.
• Attend clinical staffings to collaborate on treatment planning and service coordination.
• Support crisis prevention, early intervention, and ongoing follow‑up to maintain client stability.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: every other Friday paid off, Employee Assistance Program, fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and supplemental life insurance
• Retirement: 401(k) and Roth options
• Professional Growth: tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Loan Forgiveness: eligible through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

What This Job Offers

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