Community Health Integration Specialist

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a Community Health Integration Specialist to support and strengthen substance use prevention initiatives throughout multiple counties in Southern Illinois. This position works closely with organizations that serve youth, schools, and other stakeholders to expand youth prevention services, provide technical assistance, and promote the use of evidence-based practices. The role also involves collaborating and partnering with community entities to implement youth substance use prevention, conduct needs assessments, provide trainings and evaluate programs.  

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.

• Provide technical assistance to schools, service providers, and community organizations on substance use prevention and related prevention initiatives.
• Educate community partners on evidence-based programs and practices and recommend ways to coordinate and integrate youth prevention programming.
• Conduct outreach and maintain relationships with providers and community stakeholders to strengthen regional prevention efforts.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of outreach and program activities.
• Develop and conduct needs assessments, program evaluations, and reviews of regional prevention trends.
• Create, implement, and evaluate educational and informational materials using current research and grant requirements.
• Develop and deliver training for providers and community groups on prevention needs, strategies, services, and available resources.
• Prepare program and grant service plans, contract reports, and other required documentation within established timelines.
• Take a lead role in mentoring and training staff and interns.
• Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to coordinate a regional Youth Prevention Integration Advisory Group.
• Participate in agency meetings, committees, research activities, and staff development initiatives.
• Fulfill assigned agency and funder responsibilities and support ongoing program development.
• Promote Chestnut’s recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approach through interactions that demonstrate hope, respect, empowerment, health and wellness, and connectedness.
• Promote Chestnut’s customer service standards when working with colleagues, providers, and community partners.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of client, financial, and organizational information.
• Perform other duties as assigned or agreed upon with the supervisor.

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, public health, education, or a related field with at least 5 years of related professional experience; or
• Master’s degree in behavioral health, public health, education, or a related field with at least 2 years of related professional experience.
• Knowledge of prevention theory and research, program development, needs assessment, program evaluation, and community capacity building.
• Grant writing and budgeting experience preferred.
• Ability to provide leadership, manage large projects, and collaborate with agency staff and community partners.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with videoconferencing and online reporting systems.
• Valid driver’s license, private automobile insurance, and ability to be insured.
• Reliable home internet connection.
• Ability and willingness to travel to locations throughout the assigned service area.
• 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!