Job Description

Community Support Specialist - Substance Use Recovery

Department: FQHC CSTAR Substance Use

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Saint Charles - Elm Street

Reporting To: Sharonica Howard

Compensation: $25.54 - $26.81 / hour

Support Recovery and Resilience as a Community Support Specialist

Be a part of a dynamic care team helping individuals in their recovery journey from substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. As a Community Support Specialist ( Internal Title: Community Support Specialist CSTAR), you’ll provide holistic, community-based services designed to empower clients to achieve their wellness and recovery goals. This full-time, Monday–Friday position offers the chance to make a lasting difference by supporting individuals in regaining stability and building independent, healthy lives.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about substance use recovery, enjoys hands-on client engagement, and thrives in a team-centered, mission-driven environment. If you're looking to work closely with clients while building practical skills in the behavioral health field, this role is a strong fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized and group support focused on recovery, wellness, and daily living skills
• Provide services from a strengths-based, person-centered approach, integrating all dimensions of wellness
• Assist with accessing essential resources like housing, medical care, education, and recovery supports
• Support clients in developing and maintaining personal and community-based support systems
• Collaborate with care teams including clinicians, peer specialists, and healthcare providers
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation and complete required reporting
• Conduct outreach and re-engagement efforts when needed
• Collect and process urine drug screens
• Provide client transportation as clinically indicated
• Travel and driving are essential functions of this position

Requirements, Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

High School/GED required
Associate’s*/Bachelor’s/Master's degree in a human service-related field preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE
Must qualify for position based on overall CSS requirements in at least one of the options listed:

• Qualified addiction professional;
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from a college or university included in the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited schools at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation;
• Any four-year degree or combination of higher education and qualifying experience;
• Four years of qualifying experience; or
• Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support degree as designated by the Department of Mental Health.*
  *Qualifying experience must include delivery of service to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities.
  A valid driver's license and agency-established minimum automobile coverage required

You’ll Be A Great Fit for This Role if You:

• Are committed to supporting recovery with empathy, respect, and consistency
• Feel confident working one-on-one with clients in homes, communities, and clinical settings
• Bring strong communication, follow-through, and problem-solving skills
• Value collaborative teamwork and care coordination
• Are comfortable navigating community resources and advocating on behalf of clients
• Can adapt your approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each person
• Are new to the human services field or bring prior experience — either way, you’re eager to learn and grow through our extensive training and support