Community Support Specialist, Crisis Unit

Community Support Specialist – Crisis Stabilization Unit

Salary:

• High School or GED + 5 years’ experience: $23.00/hour + every other Friday paid off
• Bachelor’s Degree: $25.00/hour + every other Friday paid off
• Salary is based on education, experience, and licensure or certification

Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)

Looking for a career where your work truly matters?

Heritage Behavioral Health Center is seeking passionate, mission-driven professionals to join our Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) team!

About Heritage Behavioral Health Center

Heritage is a mission-centered Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) located in Decatur, Illinois, serving individuals across Macon County and surrounding communities. We provide comprehensive, integrated behavioral health services, and our staff make a real difference in the lives of the individuals we serve.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment
• Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

At Heritage, we invest in our staff so they can invest in our community. Our people are our greatest asset.

Your Role: Community Support Specialist, Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

The Community Support Specialist in the CSU provides case management, skill-building, and coordination of care for individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises who require short-term stabilization. You will ensure seamless transitions to community-based services while promoting safety, recovery, and ongoing stability.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys supporting individuals in crisis, and values teamwork and recovery-oriented care.

Core Responsibilities

Client Support & Case Management

• Provide case management, community support services, and manage a caseload of individuals.
• Engage clients via phone and face-to-face, primarily in community settings.
• Complete comprehensive needs assessments spanning mental health, substance use, medical, dental, vision, benefits, housing, education, employment, and transportation.
• Assist individuals in applying for and maintaining resources (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI).
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation.

Skill Building & Recovery Support

• Teach coping skills to manage mental health, substance use, and health-related symptoms.
• Support independent living skills (meal prep, budgeting, housekeeping, time management).
• Provide coaching in communication, personal care, and problem-solving.
• Connect individuals with social, wellness, and community-based supports.

Healthcare, Housing, and Benefits Coordination

• Assist individuals in securing and maintaining stable housing.
• Provide medication monitoring and training (self-administration, side effects, reporting).
• Coordinate referrals to primary care, specialty care, mental health, dental, and substance use services.
• Advocate for clients' housing, benefits, and treatment needs.

Community-Based Engagement & Collaboration

• Assist with accessing transportation and improving transportation independence.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teamwork with clinicians, nurses, healthcare providers, probation, DCFS, and other partners.
• Attend clinical staffings to coordinate care.
• Support crisis prevention, early intervention, and ongoing follow-up.

Crisis Stabilization Unit–Specific Functions

• Conduct assessments and assist with individualized stabilization and discharge plans.
• Ensure timely linkage to needed services post-discharge.
• Provide education to individuals and families about treatment options and community resources.
• Collaborate with hospitals, crisis responders, and residential programs to support smooth transitions of care.
• Maintain a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, person-centered environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Behavioral health diagnoses and DSM‑5 basics
• Crisis intervention, stabilization, and recovery-oriented care
• Case management, discharge planning, and care coordination
• Community resources: psychiatric, substance use, housing, social services
• Mental health and substance use system navigation

Skills

• Ability to engage individuals in crisis and build rapport quickly
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Competency with electronic health records and documentation tools
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Abilities

• Adapt to fast-paced, changing priorities
• Work collaboratively with clinical supervisors and team members
• Respond professionally and promptly to client and team needs
• Support individuals with diverse needs using a person-centered approach

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED + 5 years supervised mental health or social service experience
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in social work, psychology, education, or human services
• Minimum 21 years of age
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance

Heritage Also Offers

• Generous vacation, sick, personal leave, and paid holidays
• Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)
• Health club/fitness reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Agency-provided life insurance and short-term disability
• Optional health, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance
• Retirement plan (401k and Roth options)
• Eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness / NHSC

Ready to make a difference?

Join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve.

Apply today!