Community Support Specialist Veteran Focused
About The Position
The Community Support Specialist (CSS) provides individualized, community-based behavioral health services to adults living with mental health and/or substance use challenges, with a specialized focus on serving Veterans. This role combines structured Community Support services with Veteran-informed peer engagement. The CSS works primarily in clients’ homes and community settings to enhance independent functioning, promote recovery, and build stability in real-life environments. When serving Veterans, the specialist utilizes their understanding of military culture and recovery principles to foster engagement, build trust, and support navigation of VA and community systems. The ideal candidate values flexibility, collaboration, and hands-on engagement, and is committed to helping individuals strengthen skills, increase self-sufficiency, and achieve meaningful recovery goals.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Veteran status required
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance required
- Ability to work effectively with individuals with mental health and/or substance use diagnoses.
- Strong understanding of recovery-oriented and person-centered practices.
- Knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
- Ability to engage individuals in home and community settings.
- Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Ability to think clearly and respond appropriately in high-risk or emotional situations.
- Comfort navigating electronic health record systems.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
- Experience working with individuals with behavioral health challenges preferred.
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or willingness to obtain, if applicable.
Responsibilities
- Provide individualized, person-centered services designed to improve independent functioning in the community.
- Deliver skill-building interventions in areas including: Medication management support, Budgeting and financial literacy, Household management and organization, Meal planning and nutrition, Transportation use and community navigation, Healthcare coordination and appointment follow-through, Development of social and communication skills.
- Monitor mental health and substance use symptoms and support stabilization efforts.
- Assist individuals in accessing housing, employment, benefits, and community resources.
- Model healthy coping strategies, daily routines, and positive decision-making.
- Coordinate care alongside a multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Demonstrate understanding of military culture and the unique experiences of Veterans.
- Support Veterans in navigating VA services and community-based resources.
- Promote engagement in behavioral health and recovery services.
- Encourage self-advocacy, wellness planning, and resilience.
- Provide culturally responsive services that honor the Veteran’s lived experience.
Benefits
- Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
- Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
- Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC
- Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
- Wellness Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
- Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
- Retirement: 401k and Roth
- Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
