Community Support Specialist

Brightli • Weber, GA

21h

About The Position

The Community Support Specialist helps individuals adapt to living in their communities by creating personalized plans that address their needs. Using evidence-based techniques and collaborating with other professionals, the specialist provides comprehensive mental health services and empowers clients and their families to build foundations for long-term well-being and independence. The role connects clients with local resources and builds support networks that promote growth, stability, and resilience.

The position provides community-based mental health services to children, adolescents, and/or adults. Work includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, behavioral interventions, care coordination, documentation, group facilitation, and collaboration with clients, families, service providers, and internal teams. The specialist uses a strengths-based approach and practices that may include Motivational Interviewing, positive reinforcement, trauma-informed strategies, and skills based on CBT and DBT.

The role is in the Recovery Services department in Farmington, Missouri. It is full-time, has no supervisory responsibilities, and includes community-based work and transportation of clients. Candidates must meet one of the stated education and experience pathways, complete required background checks and training, and have a current driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation.

Requirements

• Meet one of the listed education and experience qualifications: a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or another specialized human services field; a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus two years of related work experience; a four-year combination of higher education and two years of related work experience; 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, with experience in one or more of the listed rehabilitation, habilitation, recovery, resiliency, skills-teaching, employment-support, community-functioning, or treatment-plan support activities.
• 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 how to access community resources.
• Knowledge of treatment methods and modalities, 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 at a high level while meeting the complex needs of clients and their families.
• Ability to multitask, coordinate services from community resources, and maintain communication with staff regarding admissions, processes, and discharge plans.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with youth and their families through telephone and personal contact.
• Ability to follow direction and accept supervision.
• Successfully complete background checks, including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint checks.
• Complete New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment and required training, including Relias, at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
• Maintain a current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.
• Obtain training to support professional development and meet DMH standards.
• Have extensive knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations for 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.
• Have reliable transportation to transport clients in a personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide community-based mental health services to children, adolescents, and/or adults, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and implementation of interventions.
• Collaborate with clients, families, and other stakeholders to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Use a strengths-based approach emphasizing empowerment, skill-building, and resilience, and apply evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing, positive reinforcement, trauma-informed strategies, and CBT- and DBT-based skills.
• 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, training, and education related to youth mental health services.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Collaborate with case managers, therapists, and support staff to coordinate client care and support.
• Develop and maintain relationships with parents, teachers, counselors, and other professionals involved in clients’ care.
• Prepare for and facilitate PSR group sessions as relevant to client treatment plan goals.
• Perform other duties assigned by a supervisor or deemed necessary by the department.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program offering 24/7 counseling, legal assistance, and financial consultation for the employee and household at no cost.
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.
• Employee discounts on hotels, theme parks, attractions, and college tuition.
• Paid time off for full-time employees.
• Health, dental, vision, retirement, life, and other benefits for full-time employees.
• Initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive training.
• Advancement opportunities and promotion from within.
• A supportive workplace culture that promotes employee well-being.

What This Job Offers

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