Position Summary: The Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Youth Support Specialist position serves as a member of the Youth CCS team providing individual skill development and enhancement services to support youth and young adults reach their recovery goals. The Support Specialist serves youth at various stages of their recovery from mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs by embracing the youth’s strengths to meet their identified needs. The Support Specialist role varies on each team and services are provided in the community to meet the needs identified in the Plan of Care.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Ensure people are able to get transportation to all CCS related appointments

2. Other job-related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Minimal Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent required and 2 years of experience serving people with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs preferred; Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Meet all WCS and contractor requirements for criminal and caregiver background checks, driver’s record, and drug screen. Valid driver’s license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements are required.

Work Relationship and Scope: Reports directly to the Director of New and Emerging Initiatives in the Specialized Services Division. Acts as a liaison with CCS Team members, schools, community medical staff, family members, etc. as needed.

Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct and Leadership Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and positive relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, people being served, and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge and skills to work with a mental health and substance use recovery population; organization skills; experience in working with youth and young adults in recovery who have mental health and/or substance use needs; ability to quickly develop rapport with people, excellent assessment and interviewing skills; good understanding of mental health needs; strong understanding of the substance use population; ability to work through difficult situations; flexible and able to multitask throughout the work day; effective use of time and resources to help maintain quality CCS services.

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in the community, including people’s homes and various community-based locations. Ability to work in an office setting. Hours average 40 hours per week.

Physical Demands: Position is mobile with significant time spent in the community, including transporting youth and young adults, home visits and attending meetings; driving throughout Milwaukee County; must be able to go up and down stairs.
Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.