Client Care Specialist

Overview

Share your recovery journey for the benefit of others and experience the satisfaction of helping to facilitate self-directed recovery. The Client Care Specialist provides recovery-focused, trauma-informed support to individuals receiving residential and crisis services. This role empowers clients to build hope, wellness, and independence while supporting a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment.

Chestnut Health Systems™ is a leading provider of integrated health care services. Since 1973, Chestnut has grown to more than 800 committed, compassionate employees providing substance use, mental health, and primary care treatment to patients in Illinois and Missouri. We provide fully integrated care for all our patients by combining behavioral health care services with our community-based primary care health centers. Chestnut also conducts research and training throughout the U.S.A.

This full-time position is based in Maryville, IL, with evening, overnight, and weekend shifts available and eligible for shift pay differentials.

Open Positions / Shifts:

Crisis Residential Unit• Fridays from 7:00am to 3:30pm, Saturdays from 7:00am to 11:30pm, and Sundays from 7:00am to 11:30pm

Responsibilities

Client Support & Engagement

• Guide the Recovery Journey: Support clients by observing their progress, stepping in when needed, and reporting on how they are meeting their personal goals.
• Promote Empowerment: Use a "recovery-first" mindset that emphasizes hope and respect. You’ll help clients regain control of their lives through trauma-informed care and supportive language.
• Lead Daily Activities: Work with the clinical team to facilitate scheduled group activities and keep the daily routine on track.
• Mealtime & Wellness: Assist with meal preparation and join clients during mealtimes. When nursing staff aren't available, you will observe clients as they take their prescribed medications, following all safety protocols.

Admissions & Logistics

• Welcome New Clients: Assist with the intake process by orienting new arrivals to program rules, helping them settle into their rooms, and conducting an inventory of their belongings.
• Provide Transportation: Drive clients to medical appointments, recreational outings, and other necessary community events.
• Team Coverage: Act as a backup for Residential Recovery staff to ensure every individual entering treatment feels welcomed and supported.

Safety & Communication

• Monitor Facility Safety: Maintain a secure environment by monitoring surveillance equipment, answering calls, and reporting any facility issues immediately.
• Document & Report: Keep accurate records of safety checks, shift logs, and incident reports. You’ll also ensure a smooth "hand-off" during shift changes by providing thorough updates and client counts to the incoming team.
• Maintain Professionalism: Uphold Chestnut’s standards for excellent customer service and strictly protect the confidentiality of all client and organizational information.
• Adapt as Needed: Handle other duties as they arise or as coordinated with your supervisor to keep the program running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and five years of mental health, substance use or other social service experience;
• Or a bachelor’s degree; or a total of five years’ experience and college combined;
• Or a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification in good standing within the State of Illinois.
• Must obtain Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) certification within two years of hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, private automobile insurance and be insurable.
• Requires basic computer skills and experience to include MS Word, email, and an electronic medical record (EMR).

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs when that’s the case. Chestnut is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about any of our posted positions but your experience doesn’t line up perfectly, please apply anyway! You might be just the right candidate for another role. We’d love to explore the possibilities with you!

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

The anticipated starting pay for new hires for this position is between $19.00 - $20.00 an hour. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base pay, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education, experience, local market conditions, and internal equity. Check out additional benefits here!