Behavioral Health Outreach Technician (Integrated Community Health)

Overview

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a Behavioral Health Outreach Technician to provide community-based outreach and support to individuals experiencing behavioral health, physical health, and substance use needs. This position works primarily on assigned Madison County Transit (MCT) or MetroLink trains and locations in Illinois or Missouri, partnering with transit ambassadors, security personnel, and law enforcement to engage individuals, identify needs, provide crisis support, and connect them with appropriate services.

This role requires a flexible schedule, including possible evening, overnight, and weekend hours. The technician will work alongside a partner for the majority of work hours and must be comfortable working in public settings and responding calmly to changing or potentially volatile situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach on assigned Madison County Transit (MCT) or MetroLink trains and locations, working collaboratively with transit ambassadors, Bi-State Security, police departments, and sheriff’s deputies to identify individuals who may need behavioral or physical health support.
• Use recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care approaches when engaging with individuals, emphasizing hope, respect, empowerment, health, wellness, and connection.
• Build rapport through supportive conversations to understand each individual's strengths, needs, preferences, cultural background, concerns, and barriers to accessing care.
• Provide crisis intervention, including crisis assessments and counseling, when needed.
• Help individuals work through immediate challenges and develop practical skills using evidence-based approaches such as the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET).
• Identify appropriate private spaces, including an available vehicle or assigned area, to meet with individuals when needed.
• Transport individuals and connect them with community resources and services, including mental health, substance use treatment, and primary care.
• Coordinate service openings with Chestnut's Central Access Department and other agencies or community providers.
• Advocate for individuals, help arrange follow-up appointments, and support them in attending scheduled services.
• Complete required documentation and data entry, including program openings, screenings, assessments, wellness plans, progress notes, and funder-related information.
• Submit progress notes and other required documentation within 48 hours of service delivery.
• Complete required funder data collection and incentive tracking daily, submitting information according to supervisor expectations.
• Promote positive working relationships with Chestnut employees, transit customers, ambassadors, security personnel, law enforcement, and community partners.
• Attend staff meetings, individual and group supervision, trainings, and program development activities.
• Participate in assigned training, including Relias courses when available, and continue developing knowledge of evidence-based practices.
• Work toward or maintain applicable professional credentials, such as CRSS, CPRS, or CADC in Illinois, or CPS or CRPR in Missouri.
• Follow Chestnut's customer service standards and maintain confidentiality of all organizational and client information.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated skills in human services and experience working with adults.
• Ability to work within an organizational structure, accept supervision, and collaborate constructively with clients, treatment providers, and community partners.
• Experience in peer recovery, mental health, substance use services, or other social services preferred.
• Valid driver's license, private automobile insurance, and ability to meet Chestnut's insurability requirements.
• Basic computer skills and experience using email, videoconferencing, iPads, and electronic medical records (EMR).
• Ability to remain calm, even-tempered, and professional when interacting with individuals who may be experiencing untreated physical health, mental health, or substance use concerns.
• Ability to work alongside a partner for most working hours and respond appropriately to potentially volatile situations.
• Ability to board and exit public transportation, move throughout trains and transit platforms, and work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to remain mobile throughout the workday, communicate calmly, make quick decisions, and respond physically and promptly to changing circumstances.
• Willingness to work evenings, overnight hours, and weekends as needed.