Community Support Specialist

Lutheran Family Services; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Family Services is seeking a Community Support Specialist in Lincoln, NE to provide and coordinate rehabilitative and support services for adults with mental health diagnoses. The role focuses on implementing treatment plans, coordinating care, and ensuring client safety through crisis planning and community resources.

Responsibilities include discharge planning, assessments, transportation coordination, and collaboration with other service providers while maintaining confidentiality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, or related Human Service field preferred.
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, two years of related experience or training.
• Case management and crisis management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of diverse populations and community resources.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Develop with clients integrated treatment plans and update every 3 months.
• Facilitate implementation of clients’ goals including living skills, health, and services.
• Discuss discharge goals and develop a discharge plan.
• Conduct required assessments and document services.
• Arrange transportation for clients to appointments and activities.
• Coordinate activities with other agencies and advocacy for clients.
• Maintain caseload and meet monthly billing requirements.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Time management

Documentation

Professionalism

Confidentiality

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Sociology or related Human Service field

2 years relevant experience if no bachelor

Job description

• A Community Support Specialist provides and coordinates rehabilitative and support services to adults with a primary mental health diagnosis affecting basic functioning. The estimated length of service per client is two years.

Job Duties:

• Develop with clients integrated treatment team plans, updating every 3 months or sooner if needed.
• Facilitate implementation of clients’ goals, including but not limited to community living and daily living skills, interpersonal skills, vocational/educational skills, medication management, physical health care, mental health services and care, substance abuse services, resource acquisition, psychiatric emergency, and relapse needs, etc.
• Discuss discharge goals with the client and develop a discharge plan.
• Conduct required assessments.
• Arrange for and/or personally provide transportation for clients to various behavioral health, medical, and community appointments that facilitate the treatment plan.
• Develop a crisis response and safety plan for each client. Assess client safety as needed and respond to crisis and safety concerns.
• Coordinate treatment activities with services provided by other agencies, treatment providers, etc.
• Advocate for the client and partner with other service providers.
• Maintain a caseload while meeting program billing requirements monthly.
• Attend all required meetings, training, and supervision sessions.
• Document all services and communication per program guidelines.
• Participate in the organization’s Performance & Quality Improvement (PQI) activities as assigned.
• Abide by HIPPA regulations and ensure confidentiality of clients and safe record keeping.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent skills in teamwork and adaptability to change.
• Excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work.
• Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Lutheran Family Services.
• Support Lutheran Family Services in the organization’s objective to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace.
• Verbal Communication
• Humility
• Helping
• Self-monitoring
• Relationship Builder

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Psychology, Sociology, or related Human Service field preferred.
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, two years of experience with the following is acceptable – coursework in a Human Services field, work experience, or training with demonstrated skills and competencies in treating individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis.
• Case management experience and crisis management experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of physical health issues and impact on mental health/functioning preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated decision-making skills and understanding of mental illness and its impact on functioning.
• Knowledge of community organizations and their function/purpose related to human services.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of liability auto insurance, reliable vehicle, and ability to drive on a daily basis for client and program needs within the community required.

Physical Requirements:

• Hybrid work environment (in-office, field, and remote).
• Laptop and company-issued cell phone.
• Walking and transporting the client to and from various locations in the community.

Lutheran Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.