Community Support Specialist

Overview

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a dedicated individual to join us as a Community Support Specialist. In this role, you will play a vital part in providing support and advocacy to individuals accessing mental health services. We are looking for someone who is committed to promoting the recovery model of treatment, maintaining positive community relationships, and upholding our standards of customer service excellence.

• Complete all required data entry and paperwork in accordance with program and agency policies, ensuring timely submission.
• Provide consumer‑driven services identified in treatment/recovery/safety plans, maintaining productivity standards.
• Promote the recovery model of treatment, including trauma‑informed care, by empowering consumers and utilizing recovery language in documentation.
• Facilitate referrals, linkages, and advocacy to community resources, including hospitals, aid agencies, court systems, and more.
• Foster positive interactions within Chestnut and the community to uphold the program’s reputation.
• Attend meetings, participate in program development activities, and provide support to team members as necessary.
• Provide services in the most natural consumer environment when appropriate.
• Uphold Chestnut’s standards for customer service excellence in all interactions.
• Maintain confidentiality of organizational information gained during job responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned or negotiated with the supervisor.

Candidates for this position must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have five years of supervised mental health experience. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, education, psychology, or a related human service field is required. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any other field must have at least 2 years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting.

Additionally, certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) in good standing with the State of Illinois is accepted. A valid driver’s license and private automobile insurance are necessary. Basic computer skills, including proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems, are required.

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about any of our posted positions but your experience doesn’t line up perfectly, please apply anyway! We’d love to explore the possibilities with you.

Chestnut Health Systems is a leader in the effort to achieve health equity, providing high‑quality health and human services in underserved communities. We deliver trauma‑informed, fully integrated care by combining behavioral health with community‑based primary health care. Chestnut’s research division is nationally recognized for its contribution to evidence‑based practices. Our empathic and innovative employees live our mission of making a difference.

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

The anticipated starting pay for new hires for this position is between $19.00 - $20.00 an hour. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base pay, including but not limited to: job‑related qualifications, skills, education, experience, local market conditions, and internal equity.

Check out additional benefits here!

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Chestnut Health Systems by 2x.

Seniority level:
Not Applicable

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Other

Industries:
Mental Health Care, Hospitals and Health Care, and Individual and Family Services