Youth CCS - Support Specialist

Graceworks Lutheran Services; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service organization located in Milwaukee seeks a Youth CCS - Support Specialist to provide vital individual skill-development services to support youth in reaching their recovery goals. The ideal candidate will have experience working with youth and an understanding of mental health and substance use needs. This position involves community-based work within various settings, adhering to agency policies and maintaining documentation.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience serving people with mental health and substance use needs.
• Must meet all WCS and contractor requirements for background checks.
• Valid driver's license and sufficient insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual skill-development and enhancement services to support youth.
• Build on individuals’ strengths to meet recovery needs.
• Deliver training in daily living skills and other needs.

Skills

Knowledge of mental health and substance use recovery populations

Organizational skills

Experience working with youth and young adults

Excellent assessment and interviewing skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Job description

Youth CCS - Support Specialist

Job Code: 2025-SPECIALI-021

Location: Milwaukee

Department: Wraparound

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Job Responsibilities

Position Summary: The Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Youth Support Specialist role serves as a member of the Youth CCS team, providing individual skill‑development and enhancement services to support youth and young adults in reaching recovery goals. The Specialist serves youth at various stages of recovery from mental health, substance use, and co‑occurring needs, utilizing the youth’s strengths to meet identified needs. Services are delivered in the community per each individual's Plan of Care.

Essential Functions

• Act as a member of the CCS team providing services to youth and young adults with mental health, substance use, and co‑occurring needs.
• Build on individuals’ strengths to meet individualized recovery needs, maintaining a person‑centered approach.
• Provide skill development and enhancement training in communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, decision making, self‑regulation, conflict resolution, and other needs identified in the Plan of Care.
• Deliver training in daily living skills such as personal care, daily tasks, transportation, school attendance, and accessing community resources, including healthcare services.
• Utilize various methods to serve clients, including role modeling, monitoring, mentoring, supervision, assistance, and cuing.
• Provide services in community settings, including homes and other community locations.
• Participate in team meetings to create a Plan of Care, identify goals, prioritize them, and monitor progress toward meeting identified needs.
• Appropriately document all contact with clients and team members to meet program requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation and a case file in compliance with agency policy, government regulations, and applicable local, state, and federal codes.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, in‑service training, seminars, and conferences as required.
• Maintain flexibility in daily work schedule to accommodate program needs.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures while carrying out daily responsibilities.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure clients have transportation to all CCS related appointments.

Other job‑related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Job Qualifications

Minimal Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent. Preferably at least 2 years of experience serving people with mental health, substance use, and co‑occurring needs; Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Must meet all WCS and contractor requirements for criminal and caregiver background checks, driver’s record, and drug screen. Valid driver’s license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements.

Other Job Information (if applicable)

Work Relationship and Scope: Reports directly to the Director of New and Emerging Initiatives in the Specialized Services Division. Acts as a liaison with CCS team members, schools, community medical staff, family members, and other stakeholders as needed.

Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct and Leadership Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and positive relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, clients, and external partners; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of mental health and substance use recovery populations; organizational skills; experience working with youth and young adults in recovery; ability to quickly develop rapport, excellent assessment and interviewing skills; understanding of mental health and substance use needs; ability to handle difficult situations; flexibility and multitasking throughout the work day; effective use of time and resources to maintain quality CCS services.

Working Conditions

Primary work is performed in the community, including clients’ homes and various community‑based locations. Ability to work in an office setting. Schedule averages 40 hours per week.

Physical Demands

Position requires mobility with significant time spent in the community, transporting youth and young adults, home visits, and meetings; driving throughout Milwaukee County; must be able to navigate stairs.

Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.