About AOR

At AOR, we believe that recovery is a personal journey, one that looks different for each individual. It’s not always straightforward, and it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Our mission is to offer compassionate mental health services that empower people to take ownership of their recovery. We’re dedicated to supporting clients in reaching their full potential while creating a community that values resilience, mental wellness, and inclusivity.

Position Overview

As a CST Specialist on our Community Support Team (CST), you will provide individualized, community-based mental health services to adults living with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. This role focuses on helping clients achieve greater stability, strengthen independent living skills, and work toward their recovery goals through coordinated, team-based support.

Services are delivered in clients’ homes, community settings, and via telehealth, with a strong emphasis on meeting clients where they are and helping them navigate everyday challenges. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to coordinate care, address barriers to recovery, and connect clients with the resources they need to thrive in the community.

This position is well-suited for professionals with experience in community mental health, case management, crisis intervention, or related human services who are passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey.

What You’ll Be Doing

Client Support & Engagement

• Provide individualized Community Support services through home visits, community-based appointments, and telehealth.
• Conduct wellness checks and assessments to evaluate client safety, stability, and mental health needs.
• Build supportive relationships with clients while helping them identify and achieve individualized recovery goals.

Case Management & Documentation

• Maintain an assigned caseload and complete timely, accurate service documentation in the Electronic Client Record (ECR).
• Complete required assessments, including IM+CANS and LOCUS, and other program documentation as applicable.
• Review and update client treatment goals biannually, incorporating client input and progress.

Care Coordination

• Coordinate care with internal and external providers, family members, and community partners, as appropriate.
• Assist clients with accessing community resources and entitlements, including SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, and SNAP.
• Maintain communication with supervisors and team members regarding client progress, barriers to care, and emerging concerns.

Medication Support & Psychoeducation

• Support medication monitoring and coordinate psychiatric care in collaboration with prescribing providers and other members of the treatment team.
• Provide psychoeducation and recovery-oriented coaching to help clients understand mental health symptoms, develop coping strategies, and maintain stability.

Daily Living & Skill Development

• Facilitate skill-building interventions that promote independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
• Support clients in developing skills related to budgeting, meal preparation, personal care, household management, transportation planning, and community integration.

Crisis Prevention & Support

• Monitor changes in client functioning and communicate safety concerns or emerging risks to the appropriate team members.
• Assist with crisis prevention and intervention in accordance with program procedures and client treatment plans.

Team Collaboration

• Participate in CST team meetings, case reviews, supervision, and collaborative care planning.
• Work alongside interdisciplinary team members to promote continuity of care and consistent support.
• Utilize trauma-informed, strengths-based, recovery-oriented, and harm-reduction practices.

Service Delivery & Accountability

• Deliver services in clients’ homes and natural community settings, with at least 60% of services provided in the community, as applicable to program requirements.
• Meet established daily direct service targets and maintain documentation that meets program timeliness and quality standards.
• Participate in ongoing training and supervision to support professional growth and effective service delivery.

Transportation Support

• Provide transportation assistance as needed using your personal vehicle when appropriate. Mileage reimbursement is provided.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Credentials

• Master’s degree preferred in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field (LPHA or QMHP eligible), or
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Behavioral Science with relevant coursework

Experience

• At least 2 years of experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders.

Requirements

• Valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Reliable personal vehicle with required insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 liability.
• Comfort working independently in community-based settings while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and relationship-building skills.

Why Work With Us

• Meaningful Impact: Help individuals build stability, independence, and progress toward their recovery goals.
• Collaborative Team Environment: Work with an interdisciplinary team committed to person-centered care.
• Professional Development: Access ongoing training, supervision, and opportunities to strengthen your community mental health skills.
• Community-Based Work: Provide services where clients live and participate in their communities.