Community Support Specialist I / Community Support Provider Position

Department: Mental Health Services

Job Title: Community Support Specialist I (CSS I) $20.40
Status: Hourly

Scope of Service: Provides a comprehensive array of supports focused on skill building and case management activities supporting clients to achieve a meaningful level of independence and well-being. Completes screenings and assessments with clients to support in the development of person-centered care plans to support individual growth. Provides services in a team approach which include but are not limited to: rehabilitative supports, skill building for activities of daily living, access and engagement to area resources, facilitates psycho-education groups, socialization and community integration. Collectively engages in day-to-day activities, completes assigned documentation per contract and agency requirements, and assists with maintaining a clean working environment. Performs other duties as assigned.

In addition, the Community Integration Support Specialist provides case management support to the housing First & Pilots staff and clients, as needed. Veterans and individuals 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.
• Supports client’s integration into the community providing resources for clients that enable them to secure and maintain affordable housing. Maintains regular contact with clients as defined.
• 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.
• Enhances a client’s independent living skills by assessing and providing various modalities of teaching and assistance (e.g. modeling, prompting, hands-on assistance).
• 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.
• Provides additional case management support to the Housing First & Pilots staff and clients as needed.

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.

Continuum offers excellent benefits, matching 401(k) plan, including a generous PTO package and 12 paid holidays compensated at Double Time!

Community Support Specialist I (CSS I) $20.40

VA PTSD - New Haven, CT

• FT 40 Hours Monday - Friday 1pm - 9pm

YAS Fountain Street - New Haven, CT

• FT 40 Hours Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm

YAS Brace Road - West Hartford, CT:

• FT 40 Hours Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm

YAS Farmington Ave - West Hartford, CT:

• PT 16 Hours Fri/Sat 3PM-11PM
• PT 16 Hours Sun/Mon 3PM-11PM

North Colony - Meriden, CT:

• FT 40 Monday - Friday 8AM-4PM

Community Support Provider - Mental Health Waiver Programs: $20.40

Scope of Service: The Community Support Provider provides mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation services and support necessary to assist individuals with achieving and maintaining the highest degree of independent functioning. The position functions as a facilitator between residential programs and inpatient clinical providers, including Connecticut Mental Health Center and Yale-New Haven Psychiatric Hospital. Facilitates the process of discharging clients from inpatient units to community placement. Aids inpatient staff regarding potential discharge barriers and offers alternative strategic approaches to overcome those barriers.

Various Programs in New Haven County

Bachelor's Degree; Ability to collaborate with the CAN to match new clients, ability to identify new housing options for newly matched clients and collaborate with landlords. Community housing resources/housing authority knowledge preferred. Mental health, substance use & person-centered planning knowledge a must; strong communication skills; strong documentation skills; ability to work autonomously; ability to recognize escalation triggers and utilize de-escalation techniques; ability to follow CSH fidelity standards. Must be willing to utilize personal vehicle to travel to/from and transport clients.

Applicant must have own vehicle and be willing to transport clients in own vehicle and must carry the states minimum insurance which is verified upon hire.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $20.40 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Have you ever been employed with Continuum of Care? If yes, at which program were you hired to work.
• Please indicate the Program and position you are interested in.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Mental Illness and Addiction: 2 years (Preferred)
• Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)
• Trauma Informed Care: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• First Aid Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20