Community Support Specialist

Rushford•Meriden, CT

About The Position

The Community Support Specialist works with individuals with mental illnesses, who may also have a co-occurring substance use disorder, to help them achieve and maintain the highest degree of independent functioning. The role provides a comprehensive array of rehabilitation services, much of which takes place in the community. Core functions include assessing client needs, planning and linking clients to appropriate services, advocacy, and outreach and engagement. The specialist coordinates and provides services within an integrated, recovery-oriented system of care, under the general supervision of a licensed behavioral health professional.

Requirements

Associate degree in a mental health or human services discipline.
Previous experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use.
Current, valid Connecticut driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a mental health or human services discipline.

Responsibilities

Evaluate, monitor, and re-evaluate service utilization in accordance with the Recovery Plan.
Maintain accurate and complete service documentation in accordance with federal, state, ABH, and DMHAS guidelines.
Enter each client contact in an electronic medical record and relate encounter notes to Recovery Plan goals.
Document client responses to interventions objectively and concretely, including next steps, date, time, service duration, activity location, practitioner name, and credentials.
Submit timely monthly progress notes to ABH.
Provide recovery-oriented interventions and services that support progress toward Recovery Plan goals in accordance with Rushford, ABH, and DMHAS guidelines.
Create individualized safety plans with clients and provide corresponding crisis interventions, including submission of critical incident reports.
Provide individual and group psychoeducation and activities related to activities of daily living and self-management.
Facilitate connections to clients’ natural recovery supports.
Provide residential support in collaboration with DMHAS and ABH, including motivating participants to find and lease apartments and assisting with tenancy issues.
Link clients to mutual support and self-help groups and other community resources for basic needs.
Assist clients in arranging transportation to clinical, medical, and other necessary appointments.
Organize family education and support activities.
Use client information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
Participate regularly in team meetings, annual reviews, and integrated team meetings with collateral service providers.
Attend trainings, workshops, and conferences as designated by the CSP Coordinator.
Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
401(k) plan with employer match.
Paid time off accruing from the date of hire, including paid holidays.
Higher Education Partnerships with select universities and colleges.
Tuition reimbursement up to the maximum benefit allowed by the IRS for educational expenses without additional tax burden.
Success Sharing Program.
Leadership growth opportunities and trainings.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Additional voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.
Flexible schedule.
Career development and growth opportunities.