Supportive Housing Specialist

About the role

Heritage Behavioral Health Center serves individuals and families across central Illinois, providing support for adults with mental health and/or co-occurring substance use diagnoses. The Supportive Housing Program adheres to principles of Community Supportive Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and Housing First.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Build genuine, trusting relationships with clients through consistent, respectful, and recovery-oriented engagement
• Facilitate individual and group supportive activities in the on-site community center including wellness programming, life skills groups, social gatherings, and recreational events
• Plan, coordinate, and lead resident/peer social gatherings and on-site group activities such as shared meals, themed events, and community outings
• Organize and host on-site health screening days in collaboration with nursing staff and community health partners
• Support clients in developing natural support systems and building peer connections within the housing community
• Provide informal supportive conversation and active listening to help clients navigate daily stressors
• Facilitate community integration activities by connecting clients to faith-based communities, support groups (AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, Mood Tides), peer recovery centers, and local events
• Share information on educational opportunities, vocational training, volunteer activities, and advocacy events to promote client growth and self-sufficiency
• Absorb clients in learning to navigate community systems and identify transportation options for independent access to services
• Support clients in understanding and practicing illness self-management techniques using WRAP and other evidence-based frameworks
• Refer and link clients to behavioral health, healthcare, public benefits, and social service resources as needed
• Support the development and distribution of a monthly programming calendar in coordination with the Peer Advisory Council
• Document all client contacts and service activities in the electronic health record within required timeframes
• Participate in service plan development and progress reviews in collaboration with case management and clinical staff
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment in the community center at all times
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and required training including evidence-based practice certifications
• Provide awake on-site coverage as part of the scheduled staffing rotation, including evenings or weekends as assigned
• Support crisis prevention and response by identifying client distress and alerting appropriate clinical staff or the 24-hour crisis line

Minimum Qualifications

• Meets the minimum credential of a Rehabilitative Services Associate (RSA) as defined by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health — OR — meets the definition of a Mental Health Professional (MHP) as defined by Illinois DHS DMH
• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred
• Experience working with individuals with mental illness, substance use challenges, housing instability, or similar populations is strongly preferred
• Valid Illinois driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience facilitating groups or recreational programming in a human services setting
• Familiarity with WRAP, motivational interviewing, or other recovery-oriented frameworks
• Knowledge of local Decatur/Macon County community resources
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Paid wellness day off every other week
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan
• Ongoing professional development, training, and CEU support
• A mission-driven, collaborative team environment