Community Support Specialist - Substance Use Recovery

Compass Health Network; Union, Northern (NJ, KY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retention bonus

Job summary

Compass Health Network in Union, NJ is seeking a Community Support Specialist - Substance Use Recovery to join our CSTAR team. This full-time role provides holistic, community-based services to support clients in recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges.

You will deliver individualized and group support, connect clients with housing, healthcare, and education resources, and assist with documentation and reporting.

Qualifications

• High School/GED required.
• Associates/Bachelor's/Master's in a human services field preferred.
• Valid driver's license and auto coverage as required.
• Qualify for CSS role with appropriate experience in behavioral health.

Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized and group recovery support focused on wellness.
• Assist clients in accessing housing, medical care, education, and supports.
• Support development of personal and community-based support networks.
• Collaborate with clinicians, peer specialists, and providers.
• Maintain timely documentation and required reporting.
• Conduct outreach and re-engagement efforts when needed.
• Collect and process urine drug screens; provide client transportation as needed.
• Travel is an essential function of the role.

Skills

Strong communication

Follow-through

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High School/GED

Assoc/Bach/Master in human services

Job description

Community Support Specialist - Substance Use Recovery

Department: FQHC CSTAR Substance Use

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Union - Paul Alan Drive

Reporting To: Samantha Auble

Compensation: $26.04 - $27.31 / hour

Description

To support the continued delivery of quality and compassionate care in our communities, we are offering a retention bonus of $1,500.00.* Your commitment helps us meet critical service needs, and we’re excited to have you be a part of our mission!

Support Recovery and Resilience as a Community Support Specialist

Be a part of a dynamic care team helping individuals in their recovery journey from substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. As a Community Support Specialist (Internal Title: Community Support Specialist CSTAR), you’ll provide holistic, community-based services designed to empower clients to achieve their wellness and recovery goals. This full-time, Monday–Friday position offers the chance to make a lasting difference by supporting individuals in regaining stability and building independent, healthy lives.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about substance use recovery, enjoys hands‑on client engagement, and thrives in a team‑centered, mission‑driven environment. If you're looking to work closely with clients while building practical skills in the behavioral health field, this role is a strong fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized and group support focused on recovery, wellness, and daily living skills
• Provide services from a strengths‑based, person‑centered approach, integrating all dimensions of wellness
• Assist with accessing essential resources like housing, medical care, education, and recovery supports
• Support clients in developing and maintaining personal and community‑based support systems
• Collaborate with care teams including clinicians, peer specialists, and healthcare providers
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation and complete required reporting
• Conduct outreach and re‑engagement efforts when needed
• Collect and process urine drug screens
• Provide client transportation as clinically indicated
• Travel and driving are essential functions of this position

Requirements, Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

High School/GED required

Associate’s*/Bachelor’s/Master's degree in a human service‑related field preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

Must qualify for position based on overall CSS requirements in at least one of the options listed:

• Qualified addiction professional;
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from a college or university included in the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited schools at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation;
• Any four‑year degree or combination of higher education and qualifying experience;
• Four years of qualifying experience; or
• Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support degree as designated by the Department of Mental Health.* Qualifying experience must include delivery of service to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities. A valid driver's license and agency‑established minimum automobile coverage required

You’ll Be A Great Fit for This Role if You:

• Are committed to supporting recovery with empathy, respect, and consistency
• Feel confident working one‑on‑one with clients in homes, communities, and clinical settings
• Bring strong communication, follow‑through, and problem‑solving skills
• Value collaborative teamwork and care coordination
• Are comfortable navigating community resources and advocating on behalf of clients
• Can adapt your approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each person
• Are new to the human services field or bring prior experience — either way, you’re eager to learn and grow through our extensive training and support

*Retention bonuses paid as per bonus policy; exclusions may apply.