Community Support Team Specialist (CST)

THE LINK & OPTION CENTER, INC.

Job Description

Program: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)

Position Title: Community Support Team (CST)Specialist

Reports To: Program Director Community Support Team (CST)

Job Type: Full-Time

Position Summary:

The Community Support Team (CST) Specialist provides intensive, community-based mental health services to adults with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and co-occurring disorders. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the CST Specialist delivers rehabilitation, support, and crisis intervention services in community settings in accordance with Illinois Rule 132 and CCBHC standards.

This position focuses on engagement, recovery, skill-building, and community integration.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Service Delivery

• Provide community-based services in homes, shelters, hospitals, and other natural settings
• Deliver Rule 132 CST services, including:
• Mental health rehabilitation
• Skills training (daily living, social, coping skills)
• Support services
• Crisis intervention and stabilization
• Assist clients with:
• Medication adherence support (non-clinical)
• Symptom management
• Independent living skills

Engagement & Outreach

• Conduct assertive outreach to engage individuals who are difficult to reach or maintain in treatment
• Build trusting relationships with clients using a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach
• Support clients in maintaining stability in the community

Care Coordination

• Coordinate services with:
• CCBHC - Care Coordinator
• Behavioral health providers
• Primary care providers
• Hospitals and crisis teams
• Housing and social service agencies
• Assist clients with accessing:
• Benefits (SSI/SSDI, Medicaid)
• Housing resources
• Employment or vocational services

Documentation & Compliance (Illinois Rule 132)

• Complete accurate and timely:
• Progress notes
• Treatment plan contributions
• Service documentation that meets medical necessity requirements
• Ensure documentation aligns with:
• Illinois Rule 132 Medicaid standards
• CCBHC service and reporting requirements

Team Collaboration

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings
• Collaborate with QMHPs, clinicians, nurses, and peer specialists
• Communicate client progress, risks, and service needs
• Collaborate with the Mobile Crisis Team on collaborative care and form communication between teams
• Assist as needed on CST 24/7 services

Crisis Support

• Respond to behavioral health crises in the community
• Assist with de-escalation and safety planning
• Coordinate higher levels of care when needed (e.g., hospitalization)

Required Qualifications (Illinois-Specific)

• Bachelor’s degree in:
• Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related human services field
• OR
• High school diploma with relevant experience (per agency and Rule 132 allowance for MHP roles)
• Must qualify as one of the following under Illinois Rule 132:
• MHP (Mental Health Professional)
• QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (required for community-based work)Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with:
• Adults with SMI or co-occurring disorders
• Homeless or justice-involved populations
• Knowledge of:
• Illinois Rule 132 services and documentation
• CCBHC model of care
• Training in:
• Trauma-informed care
• Motivational interviewing
• Crisis intervention

Key Competencies

• Strong engagement and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently in community settings
• Crisis de-escalation and problem-solving skills
• Cultural humility and trauma-informed approach
• Organization and documentation accuracy

Working Conditions

• Primarily field-based / mobile role with travel throughout the community
• Work may occur in:
• Client homes
• Shelters
• Hospitals
• Public/community locations
• Exposure to high-acuity behavioral health situations
• Flexible schedule may be required (evenings/weekends depending on program needs)

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000