Community Support Specialist

Chestnut Health Systems Inc; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a dedicated Community Support Specialist to provide recovery-oriented support in community settings. This full-time daytime role emphasizes independence, stability, and trauma-informed, person-centered care.

Starting pay is $19.00–$20.00 per hour, with factors like qualifications and local market conditions considered. Position supports consumers in homes and community settings, collaborating with teams to promote wellness.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 5 years supervised mental health experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, education, psychology, or related human service field.
• If bachelor’s in another field, at least 2 years supervised clinical mental health experience.
• CRSS certification in good standing with the State of Illinois is accepted.
• Valid driver’s license and private automobile insurance required.
• Basic computer skills: MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, EMR systems.

Responsibilities

• Complete required documentation and data entry accurately and on time.
• Provide consumer-driven services identified in treatment and safety plans.
• Support individuals using the recovery model of care and trauma-informed practices.
• Assist consumers with referrals, linkage, and advocacy to community resources.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with consumers, families, and staff.
• Participate in team meetings and program development activities.
• Deliver services in home and community settings when applicable.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service and maintain confidentiality.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Recovery-focused language

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equiv.

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, education, psychology, or related field

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Outlook

Adobe Acrobat

EMR systems

Job description

Overview

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a dedicated Community Support Specialist to provide direct, recovery-oriented support to individuals receiving mental health services. In this role, you will work closely with consumers in community-based settings to promote independence, stability, and overall wellness while upholding Chestnut’s commitment to trauma-informed, person-centered care.

This role is Full-Time Monday through Friday, Daytime hours.

The anticipated starting pay for new hires for this position is between $19.00 - $20.00 an hour.

Chestnut Health Systems™ is a leading provider of integrated health care services. Since 1973, Chestnut has grown to more than 800 committed, compassionate employees providing substance use, mental health, and primary care treatment to patients in Illinois and Missouri. We provide fully integrated care for all our patients by combining behavioral health care services with our community-based primary care health centers. Chestnut also conducts research and training throughout the U.S.A.

Responsibilities

• Complete required documentation and data entry accurately and on time, following all program and agency policies.

• Provide consumer-driven services identified in treatment, recovery, and safety plans while meeting assigned productivity expectations.

• Support individuals using the recovery model of care, including trauma-informed practices, and consistently use recovery-focused language in documentation and interactions.

• Assist consumers with referrals, linkage, and advocacy to community resources such as hospitals, social service agencies, courts, and other supports.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with consumers, families, community partners, and internal staff to support strong program outcomes.

• Participate in team meetings, staffing's, and program development activities, and provide support to coworkers as needed.

• Deliver services in the most appropriate and natural environment for the consumer, including homes and community settings, when applicable.

• Demonstrate excellent customer service by following Chestnut’s behavioral standards in all interactions.

• Maintain confidentiality of all consumer and organizational information at all times.

• Perform additional duties as assigned or negotiated with the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Candidates for this position must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have five years of supervised mental health experience.
• Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, education, psychology, or a related human service field is required.
• Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any other field must have at least 2 years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting.
• Additionally, certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) in good standing with the State of Illinois is accepted.
• A valid driver’s license and private automobile insurance are necessary.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems, are required.

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about any of our posted positions but your experience doesn’t line up perfectly, please apply anyway! We’d love to explore the possibilities with you.

Chestnut Health Systems is a leader in the effort to achieve health equity, providing high-quality health and human services in underserved communities. We deliver trauma-informed, fully integrated care by combining behavioral health with community-based primary health care. Chestnut’s research division is nationally recognized for its contribution to evidence-based practices. Our empathic and innovative employees live our mission of making a difference.

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

The anticipated starting pay for new hires for this position is between $19.00 - $20.00 an hour. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base pay, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education, experience, local market conditions, and internal equity.