Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Specialist

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a dedicated Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Specialist to provide intensive, community-based mental health services to individuals with complex behavioral health needs. This role delivers recovery-oriented support in homes, shelters, and other community settings while working closely with a multidisciplinary ACT team to promote stability, independence, and overall wellness.

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.

• Complete required documentation and data entry, including IM+CANS assessments, wellness plans, safety plans, progress notes, and other funder-required documentation in accordance with agency policies
• Provide client-driven services identified in treatment and wellness plans while maintaining assigned service levels
• Deliver intensive, community-based services in homes, shelters, and other natural settings
• Create and update recovery-oriented, trauma-informed treatment goals in collaboration with clients
• Link clients to needed medical, behavioral health, housing, and community supports
• Serve as a liaison with hospitals, primary care providers, housing programs, and justice-involved services
• Conduct screenings and assessments related to recovery, medication needs, and safety planning
• Provide crisis intervention services, coordinate after-hours crisis support when needed, and follow up after hospitalizations
• Coach clients on life skills such as budgeting, hygiene, shopping, and navigating benefits to promote independence
• Coordinate with medical staff regarding healthcare and medication management needs
• Participate in team meetings, staffings, trainings (including Relias), and program development activities
• Promote trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care in all services and documentation
• Maintain positive relationships with clients, families, providers, and community organizations
• Provide support and backup to other team members as needed

• High school diploma or equivalent with five years’ supervised mental health experience; OR bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, education, psychology, or related human service field; OR bachelor’s degree in any other field with two years’ supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting; OR certificate of psychiatric rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program plus high school diploma (or equivalent) and two years’ mental health services experience; OR Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) in good standing with the State of Illinois
• Valid driver’s license and insurability required
• Basic computer skills required, including MS Word, MS Excel, email, video conferencing platforms, and experience with an electronic medical record (EMR)
• Ability to travel to community settings and work in varied environments, including homes, shelters, and outdoor settings
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods during community visits
• Ability to manage crisis situations effectively
• Ability to sit for extended periods to complete documentation and data entry
• Willingness to provide after-hours support when needed

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about any of our posted positions but your experience doesn’t line up perfectly, please apply anyway! We’d love to explore the possibilities with you.

Chestnut Health Systems is a leader in the effort to achieve health equity, providing high-quality health and human services in underserved communities. We deliver trauma-informed, fully integrated care by combining behavioral health with community-based primary health care. Chestnut’s research division is nationally recognized for its contribution to evidence-based practices. Our empathic and innovative employees live our mission of making a difference.

Chestnut offers a new salary structure and robust benefits!

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!