Community Support specialist

About the Role:

The Community Support Specialist provides case management and community-based services to support individuals in achieving wellness, recovery, and successful integration into the community. This role utilizes evidence-based practices and focuses on promoting independence, stability, and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities:

Service Delivery & Case Management

• Ensure compliance with Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and all applicable agency policies and procedures.


• Provide case management and community support services using evidence-based practices, including:
  
  
  
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  
  
  • Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)
  
  
  • Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
  
  
  • Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment (IDDT)
  
  


• Manage an assigned caseload, assess consumer needs, and develop individualized service plans aligned with Individual Recovery Plans (IRPs) and agency guidelines.


• Conduct regular reviews of recovery plans and adjust services as needed.


• Schedule and conduct regular consumer meetings, including home visits.


• Assist individuals with securing housing, completing applications, and setting up utilities.


• Coordinate transportation and community integration activities as needed.

Skill Building & Consumer Support

Assist consumers with activities of daily living and skill development, including:

• Personal hygiene and cleanliness


• Financial literacy, budgeting, and money management


• Household management (laundry, cooking, shopping)


• Community integration and social inclusion


• Accessing benefits and entitlements


• Medical care coordination (appointments, prescriptions)


• Employment and vocational support


• Transportation navigation


• Educational opportunities


• Strengthening family and natural supports

Resource Coordination & Advocacy

• Provide linkages to community and social service resources.


• Support consumers in achieving goals related to:
  
  
  
  • Mental and physical health services
  
  
  • Substance use treatment
  
  
  • Employment and vocational rehabilitation
  
  
  • Dental and general healthcare
  
  
  • Income support and public benefits
  
  


• Educate consumers on tenant rights and responsibilities, including lease agreements, eviction, and appeal processes.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete timely and accurate documentation, including:
  
  
  
  • Case notes
  
  
  • Weekly progress notes
  
  
  • Recovery plans
  
  


• Maintain records in electronic health records (EHR) or manual systems per agency guidelines.


• Submit documentation required for billing in a timely manner.


• Collaborate regularly with the Coordinator, Registered Nurse (RN), and treatment team.


• Report facility maintenance issues as needed.


• Follow agency procedures for petty cash usage.


• Complete required annual trainings.


• Perform additional duties or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:
Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health, Human Services, or a related field OR


• Equivalent combination of education and experience (minimum 4 years in the field)


• Bachelor’s degree in another field with at least 2 years of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting


• Prior experience in behavioral healthcare preferred

Skills & Requirements

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to use technology systems effectively


• Strong organizational and communication skills


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team


• First Aid and CPR Certification (required)


• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record in accordance with agency policy

Work Environment

• Community-based work including home visits


• Travel required for client services and community engagement

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k)


• Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts


• Life Accidental Death, and AFLAC Supplemental Insurance 


• Child Care & Parenting 


• Senior Care & Aging 


• Legal & Financial Planning Services