Community Support Team Paraprofessional

Community Support Team (CST) Paraprofessional / Certified Peer Support Specialist

Department: Community Support Team (CST)

Reports To: CST Team Lead

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Community Support Team (CST) provides community-based rehabilitative services to adults experiencing serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders. Services are delivered as part of a multidisciplinary team under the supervision of the CST Team Lead and are designed to assist individuals in achieving recovery, improving daily functioning, maintaining housing, increasing community integration, reducing psychiatric hospitalizations, and promoting independent living.

Services are provided primarily in the community, including clients' homes, shelters, medical offices, workplaces, and other community settings.

Essential Job Responsibilities/Direct Service Delivery

• Provide individualized, person-centered support in accordance with each individual's Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
• Assist individuals in developing independent living skills, including budgeting, meal planning, medication routines, transportation, and household management.
• Support individuals in accessing medical, behavioral health, vocational, educational, housing, employment, and social services.
• Assist individuals in developing natural supports within their families and communities.
• Provide rehabilitation services that increase community functioning and recovery.
• Assist individuals with symptom management and the development of healthy coping skills.
• Accompany individuals to appointments when clinically appropriate.
• Participate in crisis prevention and intervention activities under clinical supervision.
• Observe and report changes in mental status, functioning, or safety concerns to the CST Team Lead immediately.

Peer Support Responsibilities (For Certified Peer Support Specialists)

• Utilize lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to inspire hope and recovery.
• Build supportive, recovery-oriented relationships based on mutual respect and shared experience.
• Encourage self-advocacy, wellness, resiliency, and self-determination.
• Assist individuals in identifying personal recovery goals and strengths.
• Connect individuals to peer-run recovery supports, community resources, and wellness activities.
• Promote recovery principles throughout the multidisciplinary team.

Care Coordination

• Coordinate with medical providers, therapists, hospitals, probation officers, DSS, housing agencies, vocational rehabilitation, and other community providers.
• Assist with referrals and linkage to community resources.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and Person-Centered Planning meetings.
• Collaborate with other CST staff to ensure continuity of care.

Documentation

• Complete all documentation within agency timeframes.
• Document services in the electronic health record in accordance with agency requirements.
• Maintain accurate progress notes that demonstrate medical necessity, interventions provided, beneficiary response, and progress toward treatment goals.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and agency policies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain productivity standards established by the agency.
• Participate in weekly supervision and team meetings.
• Participate in on-call or crisis response duties as assigned.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Complete all required trainings within established timeframes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsCommunity Support Team Paraprofessional

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One year of documented experience working with adults experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual/developmental disabilities, homelessness, or other vulnerable populations preferred.
• Ability to work independently in community settings.
• Valid driver's license.
• Reliable transportation.
• Proof of automobile insurance.

Certified Peer Support Specialist

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Current North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) credential required.
• Must maintain certification in good standing.
• Demonstrated recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorder sufficient to model recovery and support others.
• Valid driver's license.
• Reliable transportation.
• Proof of automobile insurance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of recovery-oriented and person-centered practices.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care.
• Ability to establish therapeutic relationships.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Effective crisis prevention and de-escalation skills.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Cultural competency and respect for diversity.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel throughout assigned service area.
• Work primarily occurs in community settings.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required based on client needs.
• Exposure to individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, homelessness, substance use, or unstable living environments.
• Any additional trainings required by NC Medicaid, the LME/MCO, or the agency.

Comprehensive Interventions, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing recovery-oriented, person-centered, and culturally responsive behavioral health services to the individuals and communities we serve.

Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $20