Department:Mental Health Services

Job Title: Community Support Specialist II -$23.24

Status: Hourly

Scope of Service: The Community Support Specialist (CSS) provides mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation services and supports necessary to assist individuals with achieving and maintaining the highest degree of independent functioning. Provides services in a team approach which include but not limited to: intensive, rehabilitative community support, crisis intervention, group and individual psycho-education, and skill building for activities of daily living. Provides a comprehensive array of community-based rehabilitation focused on skill building with a goal of maximizing independence. Ensures that services and interventions are highly individualized and tailored to the needs and preferences of the individual. Performs other duties as assigned. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Veterans and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EOE

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Client Care:

• Establishes rapport and positive working relationships with clients while maintaining professional ethics and boundaries.
• Enhances a client's independent living skills by assessing and providing various modalities of teaching and assistance (e.g. modeling, prompting, hands-on assistance).
• Coordinates and assists clients with referrals, obtaining and maintaining entitlements, money management, treatment, medical care, transportation, housing, wellness/nutrition, legal services, education and employment, etc.
• Develops, implements, and monitors person-centered plans with the client in all aspects of care, up to and including the intake and discharge processes.
• Assists the client in identifying potential barriers to achieving his/her aspirations and goals, and links the client to appropriate services to address these obstacles.
• Meets regularly with each client to review progress, mental health stability, upcoming appointments and activities, and discharge planning when appropriate.
• Conducts regular apartment/room inspections and assists the clients in maintaining the cleanliness of their living spaces which may require hands-on assistance.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with families, natural supports, and external providers and advocates on behalf of clients as necessary.
• Facilitates/co-facilitates psycho-educational groups as indicated.
• As applicable, administers breathalyzer tests and urinalysis samples.
• Supervises, monitors, and documents self-administration of client medications as applicable.
• Attends and participates in staff and All-Treater's meetings, rounds, and supervision.

Environmental Responsibilities:

• Maintains a clean, well-organized work environment including general office maintenance and vehicle inspections.
• Ensures that all egresses and walkways are clear to support workplace safety.
• Notifies supervisor of maintenance and/or safety issues and generates work orders as needed.
• Conducts and participates in fire and emergency evacuation drills, and reviews the emergency preparedness plan as outlined in agency policy.
• Participates in Food Bank activities as assigned.
• Completes other designated environmental tasks as assigned.

Quality Assurance:

• Adheres to policies and practices as outlined in staff handbook and program operations manual.
• Consistently works in a respectful, constructive, and cooperative manner with fellow staff and providers.
• Upholds all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and secures all necessary releases of information for outside communication.
• Models culturally competent behavior interacting with clients, professionals/providers, and fellow staff.
• Maintains accurate electronic records and case files as assigned and in accordance with programming, contractual, licensing, and accreditation re uirements.
• Adheres to the standards of the Council on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
• Participates in agency committee work when available or as permitted.
• Completes all trainings as required per program contract and agency policy.
• Attends agency sponsored in-services, outside trainings, conferences and meetings to facilitate continued professional growth and ensure the quality of case management practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree required with a minimum of two (2) years' experience working in related behavioral health field.
• Prior experience working with people with persistent chronic mental illness and/or addiction.
• Valid Connecticut Driver's license is required with the willingness to transport clients in personal vehicles. Position requires the employee to maintain reliable transportation and the minimum required CT State automobile liability insurance (Public Act No. 17-114). Continuum encourages all employees to maintain coverage above the state minimum requirements.
• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification within 90 days of hire. Employee is responsible to maintain ongoing certification.
• Proficient computer skills required, including Microsoft Office and electronic record keeping.
• Knowledge of the community support system and resources preferred.

Emergency Housing Program:

• FT 40 hrs Sunday - Thursday 8am - 4pm
• PT 16 hrs Friday/Saturday 7am - 3pm