Community Support Specialist

Hartford Healthcare • Meriden, CT

11d

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 activities include assessing client needs, planning and linking clients to appropriate services, advocacy, outreach, and engagement. Services are coordinated within an integrated, recovery-oriented system of care.

The position works under the general supervision of a licensed behavioral health professional and follows Rushford, ABH, and DMHAS guidelines. The specialist maintains required client records and participates in team meetings, reviews, and designated trainings.

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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, monitor, and re-evaluate service utilization in accordance with the Recovery Plan.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of services to meet federal, state, ABH, and DMHAS guidelines.
• Enter each client contact in the electronic medical record and relate encounter notes to Recovery Plan goals.
• Document client responses to interventions objectively and behaviorally, including next steps, date, time, service duration, location, practitioner name, and credentials.
• Submit monthly progress notes to ABH on time.
• Provide recovery-oriented interventions and services to 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 submitting 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.
• Success Sharing Program.
• Leadership growth opportunities and trainings.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.
• Flexible schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree