Supportive Housing Specialist

Heritage Behavioral Health Center•Decatur, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Heritage Behavioral Health Center has served individuals and families across central Illinois for over 70 years. Our Supportive Housing Program reflects our commitment to helping adults with mental health and/or co-occurring substance use diagnoses live as independently and healthfully as possible. Guided by the principles of Community Supportive Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and Housing First, we meet clients where they are — fostering overall well-being, community connection, and lasting stability.

Requirements

Meets the minimum credential of a Rehabilitative Services Associate (RSA) as defined by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health — OR — meets the definition of a Mental Health Professional (MHP) as defined by Illinois DHS DMH
High school diploma or GED required
Valid Illinois driver's license and reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred
Experience working with individuals with mental illness, substance use challenges, housing instability, or similar populations is strongly preferred
Experience facilitating groups or recreational programming in a human services setting
Familiarity with WRAP, motivational interviewing, or other recovery-oriented frameworks
Knowledge of local Decatur/Macon County community resources
Genuine commitment to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and Housing First values
Ability to engage effectively with individuals experiencing serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders
Group facilitation and activity planning skills
Strong interpersonal communication and active listening skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Basic documentation skills and comfort with electronic health record systems
Reliability, flexibility, and ability to adapt to the varied needs of a community-based environment

Responsibilities

Build genuine, trusting relationships with clients through consistent, respectful, and recovery-oriented engagement
Facilitate individual and group supportive activities in the on-site community center including wellness programming, life skills groups, social gatherings, and recreational events
Plan, coordinate, and lead resident/peer social gatherings and on-site group activities such as shared meals, themed events, and community outings
Organize and host on-site health screening days in collaboration with nursing staff and community health partners
Support clients in developing natural support systems and building peer connections within the housing community
Provide informal supportive conversation and active listening to help clients navigate daily stressors
Facilitate community integration activities by connecting clients to faith-based communities, support groups (AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, Mood Tides), peer recovery centers, and local events
Share information on educational opportunities, vocational training, volunteer activities, and advocacy events to promote client growth and self-sufficiency
Assist clients in learning to navigate community systems and identify transportation options for independent access to services
Support clients in understanding and practicing illness self-management techniques using WRAP and other evidence-based frameworks
Provide community support services including facilitation of coping skills, interpersonal skills, and functional skills development
Refer and link clients to behavioral health, healthcare, public benefits, and social service resources as needed
Assist clients in understanding and meeting obligations under their tenancy agreements
Support the development and distribution of a monthly programming calendar in coordination with the Peer Advisory Council
Document all client contacts and service activities in the electronic health record within required timeframes
Participate in service plan development and progress reviews in collaboration with case management and clinical staff
Maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment in the community center at all times
Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and required training including evidence-based practice certifications
Provide awake on-site coverage as part of the scheduled staffing rotation, including evenings or weekends as assigned
Support crisis prevention and response by identifying client distress and alerting appropriate clinical staff or the 24-hour crisis line