Help people turn their goals into meaningful next steps—in wellness, education, employment, and everyday life.
As a Community Support Specialist/Employment & Education CSC, you’ll provide integrated, community-based support to individuals experiencing First Episode Psychosis (FEP) and their families. You’ll partner with individuals to build on their strengths, develop practical skills, navigate resources, and pursue goals related to wellness, education, employment, and greater independence. This is a relationship-centered role where your ability to connect, encourage, coordinate, and advocate can make a meaningful difference in someone’s journey.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building trusting relationships, meeting people where they are, and helping individuals identify and pursue what matters most to them. You’ll work as part of an integrated team and provide flexible, individualized support in homes, schools, workplaces, and other community settings, including some evening and weekend hours.
Key Responsibilities
- Build collaborative relationships with individuals and families and provide strengths-based, person-centered support.
- Help individuals identify goals and build skills related to wellness, daily living, coping, education, employment, and community functioning.
- Support individuals with job exploration, job searches, interview preparation, employment development, and connections with employers and educational opportunities.
- Coordinate care and connect individuals and families with community resources, services, and natural supports.
- Collaborate closely with an integrated care team, families, schools, and other community partners to support whole-person wellness.
- Participate in treatment and Wellness Plan development, monitor progress toward goals, and help adjust supports as needs and goals evolve.
- Provide education, coaching, advocacy, outreach, and crisis support as clinically appropriate.
- Support individuals and families during transitions in care, including hospitalization and discharge planning.
- Provide services in community and field-based settings with a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
- Maintain timely and accurate documentation and communicate effectively with members of the care team.
- Assist with transportation and community-based activities as clinically indicated; driving is an essential function of the position.
- Use approved crisis intervention techniques and follow organizational safety protocols.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- High School/GED required
- Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field preferred Must qualify for position based on overall CSS requirements in at least one of the options listed:
o Qualified addiction professional;
o Bachelor’s degree in a human services field
o Any four-year degree or combination of higher education and qualifying experience;
o Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support degree as designated by the department of mental health; or
o Four years of qualifying experience - All higher education degrees must be from a college or university included in the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited schools at https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home
- Qualifying experience must include delivery of service to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities
- A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and agency established minimum automobile coverage required
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
Must obtain and maintain certification in an approved crisis intervention methodology (CPI, MANDT, or CALM) within 60 days of hire
You’ll be a great fit for this role if you:
- Build authentic, respectful relationships and genuinely enjoy helping others recognize and build on their strengths.
- Are encouraging, adaptable, and comfortable meeting people in a variety of community settings.
- Believe meaningful progress looks different for every person and enjoy helping individuals define success on their own terms.
- Are passionate about helping people explore education, employment, community connection, and greater independence.
- Can balance compassion and flexibility with strong organization, communication, and follow-through.
- Work well as part of an integrated team and value the perspectives of individuals, families, and community partners.
- Approach challenges with curiosity, creativity, and a solution-focused mindset.
- Want your work to have a tangible impact in rural communities where access to healthcare and supportive services can make a meaningful difference.
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