Community Support Specialist

Work where every moment matters.
 
Every day, over 40,000 Hartford HealthCare colleagues come to work with one thing in common: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut’s most comprehensive healthcare network.
 
Rushford Center, one of Connecticut’s leading providers of addiction and mental health services, is nationally recognized for delivering outstanding prevention, treatment and recovery programs. We offer a wide range of programs including Acute Care and Evaluation, Residential Addiction Treatment, Individual, Group & Family Therapy, Intensive Outpatient programs and Community Support Programs. Through the passion of our specialists, we continue to treat every patient with care, compassion and respect, while providing affordable and accessible services.

Job Summary

This position requires working with individuals with mental illnesses (who may also have a co-occurring substance use disorder) in achieving and maintaining the highest degree of independent functioning.  A comprehensive array of rehabilitation services are provided, much of which are in the community.  Assessing client needs, planning and linkage to appropriate services, advocacy as well as providing outreach and engagement are essential job functions.  Coordinate and provide services within an integrated and recovery oriented system of care.

Job Responsibilities

1. Evaluate, monitor, and re-evaluate service utilization in accord with Recovery Plan.
2. Maintain accurate and complete documentation of services to meet federal, state, ABH and DMHAS guidelines. 
3. Enter each client contact in an electronic medical record.
4. Relate encounter notes to goals identified in the Recovery Plan.
5. Describe concretely and objectively in behavioral terms client response to interventions, next steps, date, time, service duration, location of activity, practitioner name, and credentials.
6. Submit timely monthly progress notes to ABH each month.
7. Perform recovery oriented interventions/services ensuring effective progress toward the Recovery Plan Goals, in accord with Rushford, ABH, and DMHAS guidelines.
8. Create an individualized safety plan with client and perform corresponding intervention during crisis, including submitting a critical incident report.
9. Provide individual and group psycho-education and activities for activities of daily living and self-management.
10. Facilitate connections to the individual’s recovery natural supports.
11. Provide residential supports in collaboration with DMHAS and ABH, such as motivating the participant to find and lease an apartment, and assistance with tenancy issues and problems.
12. Link client to mutual support/self-help groups, and other basic needs resources in the community.
13. Assists clients in arranging transportation (to clinical, medical and any other appointments deemed necessary). 
14. Organize family education and support activities.
15. Use client information in accordance with HIPPA guidelines.
16. Participate regularly in team meetings/annual reviews and integrated team meetings attended by collateral service providers.
17. Works under the general supervision of a licensed behavioral health professional.
18. Attend trainings, workshops, and conferences as designated by CSP Coordinator.
19. Perform other related duties as required. 

• High school diploma and/or Associates’ Degree in mental health or human services discipline
• Bachelor’s degree in mental health or human service discipline is preferred
• Previous experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use
• Requires current, valid CT Driver’s license
• Basic working knowledge of personal computers and software applications

As a Hartford HealthCare entity, Rushford provides eligible employees with an extensive benefits package consisting of:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off with accrual starting on the date of hire, including paid holidays
• Higher Education Partnerships with select universities and colleges
• Tuition reimbursement. HHC provides the maximum benefit allowed by the IRS to cover educational expenses with no additional tax burden for you
• Success Sharing Program
• Leadership growth opportunities and trainings
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Additional voluntary benefits as well as employee discount programs     
• Flexible schedule

With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge – helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.