Overview: Community Support Specialist – Specialty Courts

This position provides intensive, recovery-oriented community-based rehabilitation and outreach services for adults with mental health and/or co-occurring disorders who have recurring involvement with the criminal justice system and are engaged in justice-involved treatment programming. Services will be delivered in the community, including homes, shelters, hospitals, police contacts, and at Heritage Behavioral Health Center, with a focus on reducing law enforcement contacts through proactive and sustained engagement.

The Community Support Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals in identifying and accessing natural supports within their community, promoting active participation in behavioral health treatment, and supporting adherence to treatment goals and objectives. This position also provides guidance and accountability to ensure individuals meet the requirements of specialty court involvement, including engagement in treatment services, compliance with court-ordered goals, and development of skills necessary for long-term recovery and stability. The Community Support Specialist serves as an active member of the Mental Health Court and Hybrid Court teams, collaborating with interdisciplinary partners to support participants’ success in navigating specialty court programming.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Provide community-based case management, community support, and outreach services focused on individuals with recurring justice involvement
• Collaborate directly with the Specialty Court team members and other partners to co-respond or follow up on referrals related to behavioral health needs
• Conduct needs assessments and develop individualized recovery plans
• Assist clients with symptom management, treatment engagement, and development of coping strategies
• Support individuals with skill-building related to independent living, including housing retention, budgeting, and daily routines
• Provide medication support, including monitoring and education
• Link individuals to physical and behavioral healthcare, housing, benefits, and other resources
• Support reintegration efforts and reduce recidivism by promoting treatment adherence and positive social supports
• Advocate for diversion opportunities and alternatives to incarceration where appropriate
• Help clients access and maintain public benefits (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI)
• Participate in collaborative case staffing with justice partners, healthcare providers, and internal teams
• Attend court hearings or probation meetings when appropriate to support recovery efforts
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of all services
• Provide other duties as assigned or directed by supervisor

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health conditions and justice involvement
• Knowledge of case management principles and recovery-oriented services
• Familiarity with legal systems, probation, and diversionary programs
• Strong collaboration skills, particularly with law enforcement and justice partners
• Knowledge of community resources and the ability to connect individuals with services
• Ability to build rapport quickly and engage individuals with low motivation or high barriers
• Comfort with field-based and mobile service provision
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Competence in using electronic health records
• Flexibility, problem-solving, and nonjudgmental approach in high-pressure environments
• Commitment to trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive care

Education and Experience:

• Mental Health Professional as defined by one of the following:
  • Five years’ experience in behavioral health,
  • Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS),
  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, human services, or related field,
  • Bachelor’s degree in any field with two years of experience in a human services or related field.

A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance are required.

Salary Range: $23-$26 per hour