Job Description
ACT I Community Support Treatment Specialist
Department: Behavioral Health
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Barrington - OCR
Reporting To: Kathleen Chase
Help People Build Stability, Independence, and Hope
Every day presents an opportunity to change a life. As a Community Treatment Specialist, you'll work directly with individuals facing significant behavioral health challenges, helping them navigate healthcare systems, secure vital resources, achieve personal goals, and build stronger, healthier futures. If you're passionate about advocacy, community-based care, and making a tangible difference where it matters most, we'd love to meet you.
The Community Treatment Specialist serves as a critical member of our high-acuity Behavioral Health team, providing intensive, community-based support to individuals living with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and co-occurring disorders. This role delivers comprehensive case management, care coordination, advocacy, and rehabilitation services designed to promote recovery, independence, and whole-person wellness. The position supports clients in home, community, healthcare, and social service settings while partnering closely with multidisciplinary treatment teams.
Schedule Expectations
- Must be able to transport clients as part of care coordination and community support activities.
- Must be comfortable working in community settings and clients' homes.
- Participate in a rotating weekend on-call/service schedule, working 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM approximately every 4-6 weeks
- Availability for designated holiday coverage is required, with shifts typically scheduled 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM approximately 2-4 holidays per year
- Schedule flexibility is essential to meet the needs of the individuals and communities we serve.
Key Responsibilities
Care Coordination & Case Management
- Serve as the primary coordinator for an assigned caseload, ensuring clients receive comprehensive support across medical, behavioral health, and community systems.
- Assist with scheduling, transportation, accompaniment, and follow-up for medical, dental, behavioral health, and specialty appointments.
- Support medication adherence through reminders, pharmacy coordination, education, and motivational support.
- Partner with clinical staff to facilitate smooth care transitions following hospitalizations and other levels of care.
- Help clients access and maintain essential resources including housing, food, benefits, transportation, financial supports, and healthcare services.
- Provide guidance and education related to symptom management, wellness, and chronic health conditions.
Community Support & Advocacy
- Act as an advocate and liaison between clients and community partners including healthcare providers, schools, family members, landlords, legal representatives, and social service agencies.
- Participate in treatment planning, case consultations, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
- Maintain timely and accurate documentation while adhering to regulatory and organizational standards.
- Monitor client well-being and promptly communicate significant concerns, safety risks, or changes in functioning to leadership and clinical staff.
- Support clients in maintaining stability and independence within their communities.
Substance Use Recovery Support
- Help individuals identify recovery goals, recognize risk factors, and strengthen relapse prevention strategies.
- Support substance use recovery efforts through education, coaching, and coordination with treatment providers.
- Conduct toxicology and breathalyzer screenings when required as part of treatment plans or court-directed services.
Vocational & Community Integration
- Explore vocational and educational interests with clients and connect them to appropriate employment and educational resources.
- Encourage community involvement and support progress toward personal recovery goals.
Organizational Participation
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Contribute to agency initiatives, committees, and quality improvement efforts.
- Support service enhancements as the organization continues its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) transformation.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong case management and care coordination abilities.
- Exceptional relationship-building and client engagement skills.
- Crisis intervention, de-escalation, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Professional judgment when working independently in community settings.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and documentation practices.
- Ability to navigate complex healthcare and social service systems.
- Compassion, resilience, and commitment to recovery-oriented care.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field; or an Associate's degree with at least two years of relevant community-based behavioral health or case management experience.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing serious mental illness, behavioral health conditions, or complex psychosocial needs.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and work effectively with high-acuity populations.
- Valid Rhode Island driver's license, acceptable driving record, and proof of insurance.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Additional Requirements for ACT-YA
- One to two years of experience supporting adolescents and young adults within behavioral health, educational, residential, or community-based settings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience within Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Integrated Health Home, or similar community-based treatment models.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or Portuguese.
- Familiarity with supported employment programs, vocational services, and Rhode Island community resources.
Physical Requirements
This is a highly active, community-focused position requiring frequent travel throughout the service area. Team members regularly visit homes, healthcare facilities, community agencies, courts, and other locations. The role requires driving, walking, standing, navigating a variety of environments, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds. Regular computer use and electronic health record documentation are also essential functions of the position.
Benefits
Eligible full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Flexible spending accounts
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Generous paid time off
- Mileage reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
- Employee assistance program
Why Join Us?
You'll become part of a mission-driven team that believes recovery is possible and that every individual deserves dignity, support, and opportunity. Your work will directly impact the lives of people navigating significant behavioral health challenges while helping build stronger, healthier communities.
