Community Support Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is a responsible position providing assistance and support to clients who are enrolled in a CSTAR substance abuse treatment program. The CSS provides services with or on behalf of a particular client in accordance with his/her individual rehabilitation plan to maximize the client’s adjustment and functioning within the community while achieving sobriety and sustaining recovery, maximizing the involvement of natural support systems, and promoting client independence and responsibility.

The CSS is part of an interdisciplinary team that assists consumers suffering from chemical dependency. S/he identifies life problems with the consumer through a structured assessment process and arranges services for consumers. S/he advocates for the consumer to obtain needed services and assistance to which the person is entitled and monitors the services provided. The CSS helps the consumer when s/he has a crisis.

Work is performed under the supervision of a counselor supervisor or program manager and reviewed through direct observation, reports, and staff conferences.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Work may include, but is not limited to, the following examples:

Remains alert during working hours; attends work as scheduled, and complies with attendance policies.

Attends multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings to identify strengths and needs related to development of the individual’s rehabilitation plan. Provides clear and concise information regarding consumer problems, progress, and plans in a timely manner. Updates the rehabilitation plan accordingly.

Attends periodic meetings with designated team members and the client, whenever feasible, to review and update the rehabilitation plan.

Contacts consumers who have unexcused absence from the program in order to re-engage the person and promote recovery efforts.

Arranges and refers consumers for services and resources and, when necessary, advocates on behalf of consumer to obtain the services.

Monitors service delivery by providers external to the program and ensures communication and coordination of services.

Locates and coordinates services and resources to resolve a crisis

Provides experiential training in life skills and resource acquisition.

Provides information and education to an individual in accordance with the person’s rehabilitation plan.

Develops plans with the consumer, for his/her discharge.

Records and reports consumer participation, progress, and adjustment against treatment goals in a timely manner. Maintains timely, legible, clear, concise, and well organized tracking and other records of services provided.

Develops and maintains effective communication and professional, cooperative working relationships with public assistance, social service organizations, and members of staff.

Maintains the confidentiality of consumer information.

Adheres to established ethical and behavioral standards of conduct and continuing professional development.

May transport consumers to services and therapeutic activities, as required.

Dresses in appropriate business attire; is well groomed and professional in appearance.

Performs other related work, as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Basic knowledge of substance abuse

Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system

Basic knowledge and understanding of human behavior, attitudes, and motivation

Working knowledge of current resources available to persons with substance abuse problems

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Skill in resolving conflicts and negotiating with others

Skill in developing positive and productive participant relationships

Ability to negotiate complex service systems to obtain needed services and resources for participants while not making decisions or performing activities that the participant is fully capable of performing

Ability to develop and maintain accurate, legible, organized records, and to prepare timely reports

Ability to plan and organize working time effectively and to meet deadlines

Ability to work harmoniously and professionally with state and local officials, employees, consumers, consumer families, guardians, public agencies, and the general public

Ability to work effectively with persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds and to respect individual differences

Ability to collect and analyze information in making decisions concerning a consumer’s treatment

Ability to handle confidential information appropriately

Ability to recognize potential ethical problems and address in ethical manner

Ability to work with autonomy or with minimum direction

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college of university in social work, psychology, nursing or closely related field;

An intern/practicum student as defined in 9CSR 10-7.110(5);

OR

Qualifying experience may be substituted on the basis of one (1) year for each year of the required educational training. Experience must include some combination of the following:

• Providing one-on-one or group services with a rehabilitation/habilitation and recovery/resiliency focus;
• Teaching and modeling for individuals how to cope and manage psychiatric, developmental or substance abuse issues while encouraging the use of natural resources;
• Supporting efforts to find and maintain employment for individuals and/or to function appropriately in families, school and communities;
• Assisted individuals to achieve the goals and objectives on their individualized treatment or persona centered plans.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

No candidate may be considered for employment who is, or has been for the past two (2) years under the supervision of Federal, State, County or Municipal corrections department nor have any pending felony or misdemeanor charges other than minor traffic charges.

Driving may be required for this position. The successful candidate must have and remain in possession of a valid current driver’s license, automobile insurance, and be insurable under the agency’s motor vehicle insurance policy.

All candidates for employment must meet the established minimum qualifications for employment as identified by the applicable regulatory agencies.