Youth Community Support Specialist

The Guidance Center•Leavenworth, KS

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Guidance Center (TGC) is the Community Mental Health Center and Certified Behavioral Health Clinic serving Leavenworth, Atchison, and Jefferson counties in Kansas. We provide high-quality care to all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances. Joining the team at TGC offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact on the most vulnerable members of our community. At our center, we offer a unique combination of counseling, case management, psychosocial, and medication services, all under one roof. We are deeply committed to our clients and are dedicated to implementing a comprehensive model of care. The Guidance Center (TGC) is currently seeking a Youth Community Support Specialist to be the newest member of our innovative interdisciplinary team. This position provides Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment (CPST) to SED children/youth, following the strengths model of case management. Services are provided primarily in the clients’ homes, community, or other natural settings. Evenings Required (1+ days per week after 5 p); Normal business hours (M-F 8 a to 5 p).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
One year volunteer or paid experience working with individuals in the community.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or human service field preferred.
Equivalent work experience in the human services field, or a combination of work experience in the human services field and education, with one year of experience substituting for one year of education, may be considered.
Experience providing services to individuals with mental health issues and/or developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Assist clients in determining strengths and needs, and defining goals, strategies and an action plan which supports community living and participation.
Participate in the treatment-planning process with client and other Center providers and collaborate with other providers to ensure appropriateness and timeliness of treatment plan during course of treatment.
Provide ongoing support and follow-through for client goal attainment in the areas of these life domains: home, financial/insurance, vocational/educational, health, relationships, leisure/recreations, daily living skills.
Provide assertive outreach directed toward engaging and maintaining client relationships as well as relationships with caregivers.
Assist clients and/or caregivers to locate and use resources to meet defined goals and needs.
Transport clients to and from appointments and activities when necessary.
Facilitate communication, cooperation, and deployment of resources among other service providers and caregivers toward the achievement of defined goals identified on the client’ treatment plan.
Advocate for and with clients as they seek to achieve their goals and overcome barriers.
Provide response and support to clients and caregivers when emergencies occur.
Promote and support clients’ efforts to manage symptoms.