Support Specialist

FCNI is a community focused non-profit based in San Luis Obispo, CA. We work in partnership with San Luis Obispo County agencies and other community-based organizations to provide hope, stability, support , and empowerment to those in need.  Our mission could not be accomplished without the dedication, passion, and commitment of our incredible team. Our employees are truly our most valuable asset. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and our collective achievements as well.

The Support Specialist will work collaboratively with clients, client families, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement personalized case plans and treatment plans, as well as implement behavior intervention plans in various settings, including homes, schools, and the community. The primary responsibility is to promote client well-being and independence by teaching coping skills, offering emotional support, encouragement, and practical life development. Working under the guidance and direction of the Social Worker/Therapist, the Support Specialist is an essential member of the treatment team and helps create a supportive and empowering environment for the client/family.

Anticipated start date: April 14, 2025

COMPENSATION

• Pay Range: 
  • Support Specialist I: $22.00 - $33.00 per hour
  • Support Specialist II (MHRS): $26.00 - $39.00 per hour
• Full Time, Non-Exempt classification per FLSA 
• Spanish Bilingual differential - 10% increase on the employee's hourly base rate of pay
• Additional compensation for participating in after hours on-call
• Mileage reimbursement $0.70 cents per mile
  

BENEFITS

• Eligible to enroll into benefits on the 1st of the month following employee's first day of employment. These are all high quality and comprehensive plans.
  • FCNI will cover 75% of employee's premium and 60% of employee's dependent’s premium on the primary plan offered-Aetna PPO Health Benefit, Vision and Dental PPO.
  • HSA & AFLAC plans available 
• Humana Life Insurance - $25,000 death benefit at no charge to the employee.
• Employee Assistance Program - Aetna Resources and Support at no charge to the employee which includes resources and support in:
  • Emotional well-being support
  • Legal services
  • Daily life assistance
  • Financial services, etc.
• 403(b) plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary pre-tax toward their retirement with a monthly employer match. Eligibility provisions apply.
• 13 paid holidays annually
• 17 days of PTO accrued annually (increases after 3 years of service)
• Clinical supervision for BBS licensure
• Reimbursement for fees associated with registering and maintaining the professional licenses required of the position (such as BBS licensing fees)
• FCNI provides free CEU courses for maintaining ongoing education requirements for professional licensure

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Support Specialist I: Associate degree required, Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred. Direct experience in a Behavioral Health or Social Services setting such as outpatient clinics, facilitates and/or related community-based organizations facilities, and/or related community-based organizations 

Support Specialist II (MHRS): Associate degree required and six (6) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment OR Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred and four (4) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment

• Must be computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of database and reporting tools 
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal) 
• Excellent time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills 
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail 
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct behavioral support, utilize evidence-based interventions, transfer skills to client/families, and use strategies to reinforce new behaviors including modeling and prompting.
• Teach life skills including daily living activities, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and other life tasks, as needed.
• Provide psychoeducation on mental health and substance use topics, such as symptom management, relapse prevention, and developing healthy coping skills.
•  Engage clients in meaningful activities and social interactions to promote mental and emotional well-being, including providing transportation and/or accompanying clients as needed to access community resources and support services.
• Provide guidance and support in the utilization of coping strategies for managing crisis situations, including risk assessment and safety planning.  
• Provide training and support to families, caregivers, and other stakeholders as they implement behavior management strategies and techniques. 
• Reinforce team collaboration and support team members in identifying strengths and needs. 
• Monitor client progress and adjust plans as needed to ensure that interventions are effective, and goals are being met.
  

Equal Employment Opportunity
FCNI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, FCNI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary : $22 - $39