Community Support Specialist - Decatur, IL

Community Support Specialist - Decatur, Illinois

Salary:

• High School or GED + 5 years' experience: $23.00/hour + every other Friday off paid
• Bachelor's Degree: $25.00/hour + every other Friday off paid
• Salary is based on education, experience, and licensure or certification

Schedule: Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day) | Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm

Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!

About Heritage Behavioral Health Center

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care - regardless of the position they hold.

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

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff's needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

Your Role:

Community Support Specialist - Heritage Behavioral Health Center (Decatur, Illinois)

As a Community Support Specialist at Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, Illinois, you will provide person-centered, community-based mental health services to adults living with a mental health diagnosis. This role focuses on helping individuals achieve stability and independence by delivering support in their homes and community settings, including social service agencies, healthcare providers, and other natural environments. You will serve as a vital link between clients and resources, empowering them to build skills, access care, and improve their overall quality of life.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized, recovery-oriented support to clients in community settings.
• Assist clients in developing skills for daily living, symptom management, and community integration.
• Coordinate care and collaborate with social service agencies, healthcare providers, and other community resources.
• Support clients in navigating benefits, housing, employment, and transportation services.
• Document services accurately and timely in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Monitor client progress and adjust interventions based on evolving needs and goals.
• Respond to crises and provide de-escalation support when necessary.
• Advocate for client needs and promote self-determination and empowerment.

Positions are available in the following departments:

• Housing First - Mental Health and Substance Use
• Specialty Courts - Mental Health and Substance Use
• Community Support - Mental Health

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Understanding of mental health diagnoses, recovery principles, and community-based care models.
• Familiarity with local social service systems, healthcare resources, and benefits programs.

Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for engaging diverse populations.
• Ability to build trust and maintain professional boundaries.
• Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Crisis intervention and problem-solving skills.

Abilities:

• Work independently in community settings while maintaining accountability.
• Adapt to changing client needs and environments.
• Use technology for documentation and communication effectively.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to individual differences.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 5 years of supervised mental health or social service experience
• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, or human service field preferred
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• A valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.

Heritage also offers the following with this position:

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off paid, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401k and Roth
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corp

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve!