What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Support Specialist position at Inside Out Wellness and Advocacy?
About the Program:
The Community Support Program (CSP) at Inside Out Wellness & Advocacy provides individualized, recovery-oriented services for people experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges Services are non-clinical and focus on real-world skills, resources, and support that improves stability, independence, and quality of life Our approach emphasizes flexibility, person-centered care, and meaningful connections to community resources
Position Summary:
The Community Support Specialist (CSS) provides direct, hands-on support to individuals in the community Specialists work with people across a spectrum of needs— ranging from high-intensity situations that require frequent, in-person contact, to lower-intensity support for clients with more stable circumstances, The CSS helps clients set and achieve personal goals, navigate life transitions, connect with services, and build skills that promote recovery and wellness.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide recovery-oriented support through phone, telehealth, office, and in-community visits
2. Adjust frequency and method of contact based on client needs, ranging from high-intensity (frequent, hands-on support) to low-intensity (steady, ongoing check-ins)
3. Assist clients with goal setting, skill building, and navigating life transitions (eg, housing changes, hospital discharge, reentry from incarceration)
4. Identify and respond to non-clinical crises using de-escalation and problem-solving strategies
5. Coordinate care with healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, and community resources
6. Encourage use of natural support (family, peers, faith, community networks)
7. Maintain Medicaid-compliant documentation including service notes, intensity level records, and Individualized Service Plans (ISPs)
8. Uphold trauma-informed, culturally competent, and confidential care practices
9. Manage a flexible caseload that balances high- and low-intensity service needs
Qualifications
· A mental health professional as defined in Iowa Code section 2281
· A bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours or equivalent in a human services field (including, but not limited to, psychology, social work, nursing, education) and a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services
· A law enforcement officer with a minimum of two years of experience in the law enforcement field
· An emergency medical technician (EMT) with a minimum of two years of experience in the EMT’s field
· A peer support specialist with a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services
· A family support peer specialist with a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services
· A registered nurse with a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services
· A bachelor’s degree in a non-human services-related field, associate degree, or high school diploma (or equivalency) with a minimum of two years of experience in behavioral or mental health services, and 30 hours of crisis and mental health in-service training (in addition to the required 30 hours of Department-approved training)
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not restrict or prescribe the tasks that may be assigned Critical features of this job have been described in the narrative They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons
Notice Requirement – Community Support Specialists
Employees in Community Support positions are expected to provide at least thirty (30) days’ written notice prior to their final day of work to ensure adequate time for transition of responsibilities.
Inside Out Wellness and Advocacy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status
Pay: $40,000.00 - $44,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Perry, IA 50220
Salary : $40,000 - $44,000