Community Support Specialist, Crisis Unit

Heritage Behavioral Health Center•Decatur, IL

2h•$23 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Support Specialist in the CSU provides case management, skill-building, and coordination of care for individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises who require short-term stabilization. You will ensure seamless transitions to community-based services while promoting safety, recovery, and ongoing stability. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys supporting individuals in crisis, and values teamwork and recovery-oriented care.

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
Behavioral health diagnoses and DSM‑5 basics
Crisis intervention, stabilization, and recovery-oriented care
Case management, discharge planning, and care coordination
Community resources: psychiatric, substance use, housing, social services
Mental health and substance use system navigation
Ability to engage individuals in crisis and build rapport quickly
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Competency with electronic health records and documentation tools
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Adapt to fast-paced, changing priorities
Work collaboratively with clinical supervisors and team members
Respond professionally and promptly to client and team needs
Support individuals with diverse needs using a person-centered approach

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred in social work, psychology, education, or human services

Responsibilities

Provide case management, community support services, and manage a caseload of individuals.
Engage clients via phone and face-to-face, primarily in community settings.
Complete comprehensive needs assessments spanning mental health, substance use, medical, dental, vision, benefits, housing, education, employment, and transportation.
Assist individuals in applying for and maintaining resources (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI).
Maintain timely and accurate documentation.
Teach coping skills to manage mental health, substance use, and health-related symptoms.
Support independent living skills (meal prep, budgeting, housekeeping, time management).
Provide coaching in communication, personal care, and problem-solving.
Connect individuals with social, wellness, and community-based supports.
Assist individuals in securing and maintaining stable housing.
Provide medication monitoring and training (self-administration, side effects, reporting).
Coordinate referrals to primary care, specialty care, mental health, dental, and substance use services.
Advocate for clients' housing, benefits, and treatment needs.
Assist with accessing transportation and improving transportation independence.
Participate in interdisciplinary teamwork with clinicians, nurses, healthcare providers, probation, DCFS, and other partners.
Attend clinical staffings to coordinate care.
Support crisis prevention, early intervention, and ongoing follow-up.
Conduct assessments and assist with individualized stabilization and discharge plans.
Ensure timely linkage to needed services post-discharge.
Provide education to individuals and families about treatment options and community resources.
Collaborate with hospitals, crisis responders, and residential programs to support smooth transitions of care.
Maintain a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, person-centered environment.