Community Support Specialist - Program

Job Title: C
ommunity Support Specialist - Program Support

Reports to:Program Manager, Community Support Services

Accountable to:Director, Community Support Services

Location:Westgate, 2965 N. Main St., Decatur, IL 62526, with most services delivered in community settings throughout Macon County

Schedule:Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

Position Type:Full-Time

Work Setting:In-Person / Community-Based

In keeping with the Mission, Vision, and Corporate Values of Heritage Behavioral Health Center, the Community Support Specialist I provides skill-building, case management, and community-based mental health services to adults with mental health or co-occurring needs throughout Macon County. This role is deeply relational and highly meaningful. It helps individuals build independence, navigate systems, improve emotional wellness, and remain stable in the community.

The Community Support Specialist – Program Support works under the direction of the Program Manager and alongside the Community Support Specialist team members, who provide mentoring, field guidance, and support with complex cases. This position collaborates closely with clinicians, nurses, healthcare providers, and community partners as part of an interdisciplinary team. What makes this position especially unique is its flexibility: the Community Support Specialist – Program Support, floats across programs and teams as needed, providing support where it is needed most to help maintain the high quality of services Heritage is known for.

Most services are delivered face-to-face in community settings, including client homes. A compassionate, professional, person-centered approach is essential.

• Represent Heritage’s mission and values through professional, respectful conduct at all times
• Champion a culture of compassionate, person-centered care in every client interaction
• Maintain reliability and consistent attendance to ensure clients receive dependable, uninterrupted services
• Communicate proactively with the Program Manager regarding caseload needs, client concerns, and scheduling
• Remain open to mentoring, field guidance, and feedback from Community Support Specialist II staff and leadership
• Collaborate effectively with clinicians, team members, and community partners
• Follow all Heritage policies, procedures, and safety standards

Key responsibilities

• Provide coverage for assigned caseloads during staff illness, vacation, training, or other planned and unplanned absences
• Respond to urgent or time-sensitive client needs across the program
• Accompany or transport individuals to appointments when primary staff are unavailable or additional support is needed
• Quickly review client plans, notes, and goals to ensure continuity of care when stepping into a caseload
• Communicate clearly with primary staff and supervisors about services provided, client updates, and follow-up needs
  
  Complete accurate, timely documentation consistent with program and funding requirements
• Assist with program-wide tasks or projects as assigned during periods of lower coverage demand

• Flexibility and comfort with shifting priorities and day-to-day changes in schedule
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to get up to speed quickly on a client’s needs
• Excellent communication and teamwork, since this role works closely with every member of the team
• Calm, solution-focused approach to urgent situations
• Familiarity with a broad range of client needs and services within the program

The Community Support Specialist I will be successful in this role when:

• Clients receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate community-based services
• Needs assessments…