Community Support Specialist

at Heritage Behavioral Health Center Inc. in Decatur, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Community Support Specialist
Positions Available in Housing First and Community Support - Mental Health programs
Heritage Behavioral Health Center - Macon County, IL * Full-time * Monday-Friday

Heritage Behavioral Health Center is looking for a compassionate, driven Community Support Specialist to join our team in Macon County. In this role, you will provide individualized, community-based support to adults living with serious mental illness-helping them build the skills, connections, and stability they need to thrive in everyday life. Most of your work will take place where clients actually live, giving you the opportunity to make a real difference in real environments.
If you believe recovery happens best in the community, not just the clinic, this role was built for you.
What you'll do
Carry an assigned caseload of adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), delivering the majority of services directly in clients' homes
Contact new referrals within 24 hours and complete in-person assessments within 72 hours
Engage with at least 90% of clients a minimum of twice monthly to monitor progress and maintain momentum
Teach practical independent living skills-meal prep, budgeting, hygiene, time management-in the settings where they matter most
Support clients in developing coping strategies to manage mental health, substance use, and health-related symptoms
Provide medication monitoring and education, and communicate with prescribers about side effects and adherence
Help clients apply for and maintain essential benefits including Medicaid, Social Security, Section 8 housing, and food assistance
Connect clients to housing, employment, education, and transportation resources, and accompany them to appointments as needed
Collaborate with clinicians, nurses, primary care providers, probation, and community partners to ensure coordinated, whole-person care
Maintain 80-100 meaningful client contacts per month and document all services in the electronic health record within 24 hours
Participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, and cross-coverage to ensure clients always have support
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field OR five years of supervised behavioral health experience OR Certification as a Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)
Experience in behavioral health or community-based support is preferred
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust quickly across diverse backgrounds
Comfortable working independently in the field while also contributing to a team
Valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and current auto insurance (regular community travel required)
Organized, dependable, and able to manage documentation deadlines alongside a full caseload

Salary:
High School or GED + 5 years' experience: $23.00/hour + every other Friday paid off
Bachelor's Degree: $25.00/hour + every other Friday paid off
Salary is based on education, experience, and licensure or certification
Why You'll Love Working Here
Collaborative, mission-driven work environment
Every other Friday off - paid wellness days
Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC
Schedule and location
This is a full-time, Monday through Friday position based out of our Macon County location. Core hours are 8:00 am-5:00 pm, with a one-hour lunch break. Some flexibility in scheduling may be needed to meet client needs. The majority of your time will be spent in clients' homes and community settings throughout the area, so regular local travel is a core part of the role.
Why Heritage
At Heritage Behavioral Health Center, we believe recovery is possible for everyone. Our Community Support program is built on the conviction that people make the most meaningful progress when they're supported in the places they actually live-not just in an office. You'll join a team that values compassion, collaboration, and meeting people where they are, both literally and figuratively.

Heritage Also Offers
Generous Time Off: vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
Wellness Benefits: every other Friday paid off, Employee Assistance Program, fitness reimbursement
Insurance: health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and supplemental life insurance
Retirement: 401(k) and Roth options
Professional Growth: tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
Loan Forgiveness: eligible through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
Heritage Behavioral Health Center is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the clients we serve.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER