Community Support Specialist - Housing First

Are you passionate about helping people access life-changing benefits? Join our team at a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and play a vital role in improving lives. We're looking for a Benefits Specialist who will guide individuals through the SSI/SSDI application process using proven strategies that make success possible.

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on patient care - regardless of the position they hold.

Why join us?

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff's needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

We are pleased to present the following position for your consideration:

This is a full time community based position available providing housing support services for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness. In addition, the target population for this program are individuals with a substance use diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Services will be provided in array of settings including individual's home, community-settings, community agencies, healthcare providers, and Heritage.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide case management and community support services and manage a caseload
• Telephone and face to face engagement of clients who have been referred to the program
• Complete needs assessments to identify additional needs including but not limited to mental health, substance use, health, dental, vision, support systems, legal, education, employment, access to transportation or any other services that assist an individual to improve his/her quality of life
• Provide wide array of support services that will assist individuals with obtaining and maintaining housing
• Advocate for individuals to have the ability to access and maintain housing, benefits, treatment and seek reasonable accommodation when eligible and appropriate.
• Assist individuals with applying for, obtaining and maintaining available resources including but not limited to; medical coverage, SNAP benefits, and SSI/SSDI benefits
• Assist with developing and practicing coping skills to manage mental health, substance use, housing instability and/or health related symptoms
• Provide support and coaching on life skills including activities of daily living, communication, budgeting and personal care
• Provide other duties as assigned, required or specifically negotiated with supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

* Prior experience in benefits coordination, case management, or social services

* Prior experience or knowledge regarding SSI/SSDI eligibility criteria and application processes

* Documentation and confidentiality standards in healthcare settings.

Skills:

* Strong organizational, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.

* Effective communication and ability to explain complex information clearly.

* Proficiency with electronic health records and data entry.

* Ability to build rapport and work collaboratively with clients, staff, and external partners.

Abilities:

* Work independently while managing multiple client cases.

* Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive situations.

* Navigate complex systems and advocate effectively for client needs.

* Demonstrate empathy, patience, and attention to detail.

Education and/or Licensure Requirements:

* High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or related field preferred.

* Ability to attend and participate in SOAR training for applying SSI/SSDI

* Experience working with Medicaid, Medicare, or other public assistance programs strongly preferred.

* Familiarity with healthcare or behavioral health settings preferred.

Salary:

* High School Degree or GED: $18.00-$22.00/hour

* Bachelor's Degree (MHP): $23.00-$25.00/hour

Heritage Offers:

* Generous vacation, sick, and personal leave

* Paid holidays

* Health Club/Fitness Reimbursement

* Employee Assistance Program

* Continuing Education Opportunities

* Tuition Assistance Programs

* Agency-provided life insurance and short-term disability

* Retirement plan

* Optional health, dental, vision, and additional life insurance (with substantial agency contribution)