Life Skills Specialist

Excitement abounds at Heritage Behavioral Health Center!

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?

• We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• We are expanding our primary care, mental health and substance use services to individuals in Central Illinois and beyond and are looking for dedicated staff to meet the needs of our clientele.
• A new salary structure is now in place! Our salaries have been updated and are competitive at both the state and national levels with wonderful benefits.
• Full-time employees receive 56 paid days off during their 1^st year of employment (this includes every other Friday off PAID for your wellness needs). This increases to 61 days the 2^nd year and continues to increase with tenure.
• We have expanded our employee insurance benefit offerings and made them more affordable.

Position Overview:

This position provides essential, hands-on support to individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness who reside within Heritage's supportive housing locations. The focus of this role is working side by side with clients-within their homes and daily environments-to help them build and maintain the skills needed for successful independent living.

The Specialist actively partners with clients to develop and strengthen Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)-such as personal care, hygiene, and nutrition-and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)-such as budgeting, cleaning, organizing, and managing household responsibilities. This role emphasizes helping clients achieve and maintain clean, safe, and stable housing while fostering independence, confidence, and long-term success in the least restrictive environment possible.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong ability to build trust and work one-on-one with clients in their homes, offering patience, compassionate, and hands-on guidance.
• Knowledge of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and effective strategies for teaching these skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams across multiple programs.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, flexibility, and composure in dynamic or changing environments.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to balance individual and group support activities.
• Comfort using electronic health records and maintaining timely documentation.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds on a regular basis.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide Individualized, In-Home Support:
  • Work directly with clients in their homes to build skills for daily living, including meal preparation, cleaning, organization, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
• Model and Teach Independent Living Skills:
  • Actively demonstrate and coach clients through daily routines, promoting self-sufficiency in areas such as hygiene, nutrition, home maintenance, and community engagement.
• Promote Housing Stability:
  • Support clients in maintaining their apartments or shared living environments by assisting with cleaning schedules, decluttering, and property upkeep to promote long-term stability.
• Facilitate Group Learning and Engagement:
  • Lead or co-facilitate small group sessions that focus on skill-building topics such as budgeting, time management, meal planning, and social integration.
• Monitor and Document Progress:
  • Track clients' development of daily living skills through consistent observation, documentation, and adjustment of individualized support plans.
• Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Teams:
  • Partner with case managers, recovery support specialists, clinical staff, and housing personnel to coordinate holistic, person-centered care.
• Empower Recovery and Community Integration:
  • Encourage participation in community programs, peer support, and social activities that enhance wellness and reduce isolation.
• Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Complete all required documentation accurately and promptly, adhering to agency and program standards.
• Other Duties:
  • Perform additional tasks as assigned or as needed to support client success and program operations.

Education and/or Licensure Requirements:

1. A high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Minimum of 21 years of age.
3. A valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance coverage are required.

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly Rate: $18- $20
Wellness Days Every Other Friday - Fully Paid
Partial Fitness Reimbursement, Tuition Assistance & CEU Support
Health, Dental, Vision & Optional Insurance Plans
Retirement Contributions (401k & Roth)
Eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness (NHSC Site)