Co-Occurring Community Support Specialist

Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers is seeking a Co-Occurring Community Support Specialist to coordinate services for individuals facing both mental health and substance use challenges. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans and connect clients to housing, employment, healthcare, and social services.

This role emphasizes crisis intervention, client education, confidentiality, and ongoing progress monitoring to promote recovery and long-term wellness

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments to identify clients’ mental health and substance use needs.
• Develop and implement individualized support plans in collaboration with clients and care teams.
• Provide ongoing case management, including monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needed.
• Facilitate access to community resources such as housing, employment, healthcare, and social services.
• Offer crisis intervention and support during periods of acute need.
• Educate clients and their families about co-occurring disorders and recovery strategies.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, and other stakeholders to coordinate care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and progress.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Co-occurring disorders

Case management

Communication

Cultural competency

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

Case management software

Electronic health records

Job description

About Company

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers provides quality health care and social services to thousands of uninsured and medically underserved. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all residents of the community by providing healthcare that is comprehensive, equitable and trauma informed, including primary care, dental and behavioral health services rooted in compassion, hope, dignity, and cultural competency. PHC is committed to serving the impoverished, uninsured populations in St. Louis and St Louis County communities. With three (3) conveniently located health centers, three (3) behavioral health sites and a friendly welcoming staff, PHC aspires to serve all the health care and wellness needs of the entire family.

About The Role

The Co-Occurring Community Support Specialist plays a critical role in providing comprehensive support to individuals experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges. This position focuses on delivering person-centered care by coordinating services, facilitating access to resources, and promoting recovery within the community. The specialist works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans that address the complex needs of clients. Through outreach, education, and advocacy, the role aims to empower clients to achieve stability, improve their quality of life, and foster long-term wellness. Ultimately, the specialist serves as a vital link between clients, healthcare providers, and community resources to ensure integrated and effective support.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in peer support or recovery coaching.
• Training in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing.
• Experience with case management software and electronic health records.
• Bilingual abilities to serve diverse populations.
• Familiarity with local behavioral health regulations and funding sources.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments to identify clients’ mental health and substance use needs.
• Develop and implement individualized support plans in collaboration with clients and care teams.
• Provide ongoing case management, including monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needed.
• Facilitate access to community resources such as housing, employment, healthcare, and social services.
• Offer crisis intervention and support during periods of acute need.
• Educate clients and their families about co-occurring disorders and recovery strategies.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, and other stakeholders to coordinate care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and progress.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

The required skills enable the specialist to effectively assess client needs, develop tailored support plans, and communicate clearly with clients and multidisciplinary teams. Strong interpersonal skills facilitate building trust and rapport with clients facing complex challenges. Knowledge of community resources and social service systems is essential for connecting clients to appropriate supports and services. Preferred skills such as trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing enhance the specialist’s ability to engage clients empathetically and promote positive behavioral change. Additionally, proficiency with case management tools and bilingual communication broadens the specialist’s capacity to serve diverse populations efficiently and accurately.