Community Development Specialist

We are seeking a Community Development Specialist to join our team. This position operates in a hybrid environment, including office, remote, and community-based settings, with regular travel throughout the state and occasional evening and weekend hours. This role focuses on program development, community outreach, training, and evaluation to support behavioral health initiatives and strengthen community capacity.

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.

• Assist in the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of programs, including trainings, outreach initiatives, and community events
• Conduct outreach and engagement with community members and stakeholders using evidence-based behavioral health practices
• Develop, disseminate, and evaluate educational materials, trainings, and program resources
• Facilitate trainings and presentations, ensuring timely and accurate collection of evaluation data
• Complete and submit program and grant-related reports and documentation accurately and within required timelines
• Support program budget development and monitoring, including submitting monthly budget reports and assisting with funding opportunities and grant applications
• Collaborate with local, state, and national advocacy groups related to behavioral health and community initiatives
• Participate in agency meetings, staff development, and program planning activities, and provide support to team members as needed
• Promote trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care in all interactions, emphasizing empowerment, wellness, and respect
• Maintain strong community partnerships and represent Chestnut in a professional manner
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards

• Master’s degree in behavioral health, public health, education, or related field with a minimum of 2 years of related experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Experience in program development, needs assessment, program evaluation, and community capacity building required
• Knowledge of recovery principles, prevention theory, and research preferred
• Experience in grant writing and budgeting preferred
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage projects and collaborate across teams and community partners
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), videoconferencing, and online reporting systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including professional documentation and presentations
• Valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and insurable driving record required
• Ability to travel frequently throughout the state and maintain reliable home internet access
• Ability to obtain DCFS CANTS Child Abuse Clearance

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 $44,400 - $50,575 annual salary. 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!