Community Support Specialist - Program Support

Job Title: C ommunity Support Specialist

• Program Support Reports to: Program Manager, Community Support Services Accountable to: Director, Community Support Services Location: Westgate, 2965 N. Main St., Decatur, IL 62526, with most services delivered in community settings throughout Macon County Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Type: Full-Time Work Setting: In-Person / Community-Based Position Overview: In keeping with the Mission, Vision, and Corporate Values of Heritage Behavioral Health Center, the Community Support Specialist I provides skill-building, case management, and community-based mental health services to adults with mental health or co-occurring needs throughout Macon County. This role is deeply relational and highly meaningful. It helps individuals build independence, navigate systems, improve emotional wellness, and remain stable in the community. The Community Support Specialist – Program Support works under the direction of the Program Manager and alongside the Community Support Specialist team members, who provide mentoring, field guidance, and support with complex cases. This position collaborates closely with clinicians, nurses, healthcare providers, and community partners as part of an interdisciplinary team. What makes this position especially unique is its flexibility: the Community Support Specialist – Program Support, floats across programs and teams as needed, providing support where it is needed most to help maintain the high quality of services Heritage is known for. Most services are delivered face-to-face in community settings, including client homes. A compassionate, professional, person-centered approach is essential. Leadership & Team Expectations: Represent Heritage’s mission and values through professional, respectful conduct at all times Champion a culture of compassionate, person-centered care in every client interaction Maintain reliability and consistent attendance to ensure clients receive dependable, uninterrupted services Communicate proactively with the Program Manager regarding caseload needs, client concerns, and scheduling Remain open to mentoring, field guidance, and feedback from Community Support Specialist II staff and leadership Collaborate effectively with clinicians, team members, and community partners Follow all Heritage policies, procedures, and safety standards Core Responsibilities: Key responsibilities Provide coverage for assigned caseloads during staff illness, vacation, training, or other planned and unplanned absences Respond to urgent or time-sensitive client needs across the program Accompany or transport individuals to appointments when primary staff are unavailable or additional support is needed Quickly review client plans, notes, and goals to ensure continuity of care when stepping into a caseload Communicate clearly with primary staff and supervisors about services provided, client updates, and follow-up needs Complete accurate, timely documentation consistent with program and funding requirements Assist with program-wide tasks or projects as assigned during periods of lower coverage demand Qualities of Ideal Candidate Flexibility and comfort with shifting priorities and day-to-day changes in schedule Strong organizational skills and the ability to get up to speed quickly on a client’s needs Excellent communication and teamwork, since this role works closely with every member of the team Calm, solution-focused approach to urgent situations Familiarity with a broad range of client needs and services within the program Performance Expectations / What Success Looks Like: The Community Support Specialist I will be successful in this role when: Clients receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate community-based services Needs assessments are comprehensive and clients are successfully connected to benefits, housing, healthcare, and community resources Documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted on time Clients demonstrate progress in independent living skills, emotional wellness, and community stability Skills and independence grow steadily through mentoring and experience, expanding the complexity of cases managed confidently Team members and supervisors view this person as reliable, engaged, and communicative Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use concerns Ability to meet people “where they are” using a non-judgmental, person-centered approach Knowledge of community resources and/or the ability to locate and navigate them Knowledge of case management techniques and principles Awareness of healthcare systems including psychiatric, substance use, medical, and related services Strong rapport-building, communication, and engagement skills Ability to work independently while being an effective team player Competency in navigating electronic health records and technology-based documentation tools Ability to adapt to ambiguity, uncertainty, and changing client needs Ability to respond quickly and professionally to client needs, supervisors, and team members Education and Experience: Required: High school diploma or GED plus five (5) years of supervised mental health or social service experience, OR a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or a human service field Minimum 21 years of age Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or a human service field Experience providing community-based services to individuals with mental health or co-occurring needs Note: Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Frequent travel throughout Macon County to community settings, client homes, and partner agencies; valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance required Ability to sit, stand, walk, and work at a computer for extended periods Regular contact with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges, including in home and community environments Ability to respond calmly and effectively in crisis or emergency situations Must adhere to all Heritage policies, procedures, and safety standards