Supportive Housing Specialist

Heritage Behavioral Health Center has served individuals and families across central Illinois for over 70 years. Our Supportive Housing Program reflects our commitment to helping adults with mental health and/or co‑occurring substance use diagnoses live as independently and healthfully as possible. Guided by the principles of Community Supportive Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and Housing First, we meet clients where they are — fostering overall well‑being, community connection, and lasting stability.

The Supportive Housing Specialist provides on‑site formal and informal support to adults with mental health diagnoses and/or co‑occurring substance use diagnoses residing in Heritage's supportive housing program in Decatur, Illinois. This role is primarily based in the community center at the supportive housing site and focuses on individual and group engagement, wellness activities, social gatherings, life skills programming, recreational opportunities, and community integration.

The Specialist fosters a welcoming, recovery‑oriented environment that promotes overall well‑being, belonging, and independence.

• Build genuine, trusting relationships with clients through consistent, respectful, and recovery‑oriented engagement
• Facilitate individual and group supportive activities in the on‑site community center including wellness programming, life skills groups, social gatherings, and recreational events
• Plan, coordinate, and lead resident/peer social gatherings and on‑site group activities such as shared meals, themed events, and community outings
• Organize and host on‑site health screening days in collaboration with nursing staff and community health partners
• Support clients in developing natural support systems and building peer connections within the housing community
• Provide informal supportive conversation and active listening to help clients navigate daily stressors
• Facilitate community integration activities by connecting clients to faith‑based communities, support groups (AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, Mood Tides), peer recovery centers, and local events
• Share information on educational opportunities, vocational training, volunteer activities, and advocacy events to promote client growth and self‑sufficiency
• Assist clients in learning to navigate community systems and identify transportation options for independent access to services
• Support clients in understanding and practicing illness self‑management techniques using WRAP and other evidence‑based frameworks
• Provide community support services including facilitation of coping skills, interpersonal skills, and functional skills development
• Refer and link clients to behavioral health, healthcare, public benefits, and social service resources as needed
• Assist clients in understanding and meeting obligations under their tenancy agreements
• Support the development and distribution of a monthly programming calendar in coordination with the Peer Advisory Council
• Document all client contacts and service activities in the electronic health record within required time frames
• Participate in service plan development and progress reviews in collaboration with case management and clinical staff
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment in the community center at all times
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and required training including evidence‑based practice certifications
• Provide awake on‑site coverage as part of the scheduled staffing rotation, including evenings or weekends as assigned
• Support crisis prevention and response by identifying client distress and alerting appropriate clinical staff or the 24‑hour crisis line

• Meets the minimum credential of a Rehabilitative Services Associate (RSA) as defined by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health — OR — meets the definition of a Mental Health Professional (MHP) as defined by Illinois DHS DMH
• High school diploma or GED required;
  Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred
• Experience working with individuals with mental illness, substance use…