Resource Specialist | Mental Health

Collaborative Support Programs of NJ; Paterson (NJ); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance (DMO)

Vision insurance

6 weeks PTO

11 Holidays

Job summary

Collaborative Support Programs of NJ is seeking a full-time Resource Specialist to help individuals identify, access, and navigate financial, healthcare, educational, and other community resources. You will provide hands-on assistance, advocacy, and peer-based support to promote independence and recovery.

The role requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills, familiarity with community resources, and a willingness to share lived experience to support others in their recovery journey.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree in a mental health related field.
• Strong organizational and time management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build respectful, supportive relationships and demonstrate empathy.
• Knowledge of mental health resources and ability to navigate community services.
• Willingness to share lived experience to support others and work with peers.

Responsibilities

• Identify and connect individuals with community resources (financial, healthcare, education, housing).
• Provide information and referrals based on individual needs.
• Assist with applications for Medicaid, birth certificates, Social Security, and other benefits.
• Offer peer-based, person-centered support to promote independence and recovery.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local programs and build relationships with service providers.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Empathy

Communication

Peer support

Trauma-informed approach

Bilingual skills

Education

High school diploma / GED

Bachelor’s degree in mental health related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Description

CSPNJ, a mental health nonprofit agency, is looking for a full-time Resource Specialist. The Resource Specialist supports individuals in identifying, accessing, and navigating financial, healthcare, educational, and other community resources. This position provides hands‑on assistance, advocacy, and peer-based support while helping individuals build independence and achieve their personal recovery goals.

Highlights

• Assist individuals in identifying and obtaining financial, healthcare, educational, housing, and other community resources.
• Provide information about available community services and make appropriate referrals based on individual needs.
• Assist individuals with completing applications for Medicaid, Social Security, birth certificates, identification, and other essential documents and benefits.
• Provide peer‑based, person‑centered support that promotes independence, self‑advocacy, and recovery.
• Research and maintain current knowledge of community‑based programs, services, and resources.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and service providers.

Benefits

Full-time | Benefit Eligible (Medical, free DMO dental & free vision) including 6 weeks PTO & 11 Holidays

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED with relevant work experience or a bachelor’s degree in a mental health‑related discipline.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to build meaningful, respectful, and supportive relationships.
• Knowledge of mental health, wellness, recovery, and community‑based resources.
• Willingness to openly share personal experiences with mental health and/or substance use services as appropriate to support others through a peer‑based approach.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with individuals who receive or have received mental health and/or substance use services.
• Ability to effectively engage and support individuals with mental health diagnoses using empathy, professionalism, person‑centered, and trauma‑informed approaches.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Bilingual skills are a plus!
• Must have a valid New Jersey driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Lived Experience: CSPNJ prioritizes hiring people who use their own life experience dealing with mental health/substance use issues to inspire and support others.

Salary Description

Hourly Rate: $21.63