Community Support Specialist - Bright Beginnings

Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board•Hampton, VA

2d•$41,690

About The Position

Join the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board as a full-time Community Support Specialist in Bright Beginnings, a psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) program for adults. This position is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and aspiring support specialists, therapists, or social workers who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in their community. You will be provided with great benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Flexible Spending Account, Competitive Salary, Paid Time Off, Employee Discounts, and the Virginia Retirement System. Seize this opportunity to work for a premier provider in the health care sector and contribute to a culture of excellence and empathy. Since 1971, the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board has provided a comprehensive continuum of high-quality, essential, and community-based services to citizens of the Peninsula who are living with a mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Bright Beginnings is a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Day Program that incorporates elements of the clubhouse model. The program promotes a sense of importance, ownership, and empowerment through active participation and contribution. Participants are supported in building self-esteem and self-confidence in a normalized, encouraging environment. Services emphasize individual strengths, independent decision-making, and meaningful involvement in treatment goals, with the ultimate aim of successful community reintegration in the least restrictive setting. As a Community Support Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the psychosocial development of adults with serious mental or emotional impairments. Your work will directly support clients in developing skills that enhance independence, recovery, and overall quality of life.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a human services field, such as Social Work, Psychology, Counseling
Six (6) months of related experience, or completion of a behavioral health-related internship
Ability to register with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a QMHP-Trainee within 90 days of employment
Valid Virginia Driver's License
Understanding of assessment techniques and crisis intervention strategies
Familiarity with psycho-social development principles
The selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation, DMV record check, Child Registry search, drug screening test and employment reference checks.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL)

Responsibilities

Providing independent living skills training and vocational coaching
Conducting needs assessments and managing assigned cases
Delivering crisis intervention and client advocacy
Planning and facilitating individual and group psycho-social development activities
Leading group therapy and recreational activities
Monitoring client progress and completing required documentation