Community Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Community Support Specialist - MH

Annual Salary: $41,690

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Join the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board as a Full-Time Community Support Specialist and launch your career in a dynamic healthcare environment! This role offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates and aspiring support specialists, therapists, or social workers to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community. With a focus on customer service and teamwork, you'll thrive in a flexible, professional setting while developing your skills alongside experienced colleagues. Located onsite in Hampton, VA, this position fosters a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to engage personally with those you support. The expected pay for this rewarding role is $41,690 , providing a strong foundation as you embark on your professional journey.

You will be provided with great benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Flexible Spending Account, Competitive Salary, Paid Time Off, Employee Discounts, and the Virginia Retirement System. Seize this opportunity to work for a premier provider in the health care sector and contribute to a culture of excellence and empathy.

Since 1971, Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board has provided a comprehensive continuum of high-quality, essential, and community-based services to citizens of the Peninsula who are living with a mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders.

As a Community Support Specialist at the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, you will play an integral role in supporting the psycho-social development and community reintegration of individuals living with serious mental or emotional impairments. This dynamic position involves a variety of functions, including independent living skills training, vocational coaching, and crisis intervention. You will conduct needs assessments, manage cases, and provide advocacy for clients while leading group therapy and recreational activities. Your responsibilities will also encompass monitoring and completing essential documentation regarding clients' progress. By planning and conducting individual and group psycho-social development training, you will empower clients through skills that enhance their quality of life.

Additionally, you will assess client needs, respond to inquiries, and facilitate referrals to community services and resources, all while advocating for their rights and access to services as a dedicated support specialist, therapist, or social worker.

To excel as a Full-Time Community Support Specialist at the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, candidates need a bachelor's degree in human services, such as Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling, complemented by behavioral health-related internship experience. Registration with the Board of Counseling as a QMHP-Trainee within the first 90 days of employment is essential. A solid understanding of assessment techniques and crisis intervention strategies is crucial, as is familiarity with psycho-social development principles.

Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) is preferred, enhancing communication with diverse clients. Additionally, candidates must possess a valid Virginia Driver's License as transporting clients may be required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to advocate for clients' needs are vital for fostering a supportive environment that promotes recovery and rehabilitation.

Knowledge and skills required for the position are:

• Bachelor's degree in human services such as Social Work, Psychology or Counseling with 6 months of related experience or have completed a behavioral health-related internship experience.
• Must register with the Board of Counseling to practice as a QMHP-Trainee within the initial 90 days of employment.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL)preferred.
• Valid Virginia Driver's License

If you believe that this position matches your requirements, applying for it is a breeze. Best of luck!

The selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation, DMV record check, Child Registry search, drug screening test and employment reference checks.