What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Support Specialist (Adult) position at Arthur Center Community Health?
Community Support Specialist (Adult)
Department: CPRC
Reports To: CPRC Supervisor (QMHP)
Job Type: Full-time
About Us:
At the Arthur Center, we inspire community health and wellness by meeting people where they are and supporting whole-person well-being. Our mission is to empower individuals and families to build healthier, more fulfilling lives so they can invest their time, talents, and resources into truly living.
As a community health center, our impact is driven by the dedication of over 200 staff members who work together to provide compassionate care, evidence-based services, and meaningful support. Every day, our team helps strengthen the communities we serve across Audrain, Callaway, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, and Monroe Counties by providing and improving access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care, fostering resilience, and promoting long-term wellness.
Position Summary:
Arthur Center is looking for a Community Support Specialist (Adult) who is motivated by the work of walking alongside people; not doing things for them, but building the skills, confidence, and connections they need to define and pursue their own recovery. In this role, you will carry a caseload of approximately 20-30 adults living with severe and persistent mental illness in community settings, providing individualized, strengths-based support that meets each person where they are. If you lead with empathy, stay grounded in professional boundaries, and genuinely believe in the capacity of every person to move toward wellness, we want to hear from you.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Individualized Client Support amp; Recovery Planning
- Using a motivational, stage-matched approach, provide individualized services based on each client's strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences - developed collaboratively with the client and family.
- Support clients in completing goals on their Wellness or Treatment Plans; update goals and objectives as items are achieved or as client priorities shift.
- Provide education and skill-building in areas including daily living skills, employment and education, symptom management, communication, budgeting, and maintaining a residence - always with a focus on building toward independence.
- Screen for suicide risk using tools such as the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.
- Work to improve the overall health status of individuals served through Wellness Coaching and collaboration with the Health Care Home team.
Care Coordination amp; Community Navigation
- Provide individual assistance to clients in accessing needed services, including accompanying clients to medical and other health appointments as needed.
- Aid clients in accessing public services including financial assistance, housing, benefits maintenance, emergency assistance, and food resources.
- Maintain contact with clients who are hospitalized; participate in discharge planning and communicate with all involved providers in developing aftercare plans.
- Communicate effectively with family members, guardians, mental health professionals, medical providers, and other stakeholders and social agencies.
- Advocate effectively for clients within systems and with service providers.
Crisis Response amp; Team Collaboration
- Work as part of an integrated care team, attending staffing meetings and supervision with supervisor as scheduled.
- If meeting requirements as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), participate in on-call rotation and provide crisis intervention services to clients in need.
- Prioritize workload effectively and manage time well - on time for appointments, meetings, and documentation deadlines.
Documentation amp; Compliance
- Provide timely, accurate, and high-quality documentation of all client interactions and services in the electronic health record.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills and Attributes:
- Strong empathy skills including active listening, good eye contact, and the ability to develop genuine rapport with a diverse range of clients.
- Moderate to extensive knowledge of mental illness including diagnosis, symptoms, and evidence-based interventions.
- Working knowledge of community resources with the ability to identify and utilize new resources as client needs evolve.
- Basic knowledge of the mental health delivery system including the Missouri Department of Mental Health, substance use treatment, Supported Community Living, and surrounding Administrative Agents.
- Working knowledge of complex comorbidities and the importance of integrated, whole-person care.
- Flexible, non-judgmental, and open-minded while maintaining clear and healthy professional boundaries.
- Self-directed with sound judgment and the ability to manage and prioritize a varied caseload independently.
- Draws from a broad range of clinical and supportive interventions - not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Willingness to learn, grow, and adapt in a dynamic community health environment.
- Maintains a professional appearance appropriate to a community-based role.
Required Qualifications:
Meets at least one of the following education and experience criteria:
- Qualifies as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
- Bachelor's degree in a human services field; OR a non-human services Bachelor's degree with at least one year of relevant experience.
- Associate's degree with at least two years of relevant experience; OR an Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support from an approved institution (no additional experience required).
- High school diploma or GED with at least four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of higher education and experience.
- Preferred experience in case management with adults and/or youth with severe and persistent mental illness.
Licensure amp; Certifications:
- Valid Class E Missouri Driver's License required.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification required.
- Level 1 Medication Aid (L1MA) certification required.
Physical Requirements:
- Extensive travel required, primarily within a 50-mile radius of the office.
- Significant time spent on documentation in an electronic health record system.
- Ability to sit for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
Top Benefits or Perks:
As an employee at Arthur Center, you'll enjoy:
- Collaborative work environment and meaningful, mission-driven work
- Competitive pay commensurate with experience | Benefits Eligible
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical (HSA option), Dental, Vision
- Life insurance | 401(k) with up to 6% company match
- 9 paid holidays
- Generous PTO
Apply Today
- Ready to do work that genuinely matters - one person, one goal, one step at a time? Apply now to join a team that believes in recovery, resilience, and the power of showing up for people.