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.

The anticipated start date for this position is 12/1/2026.

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.

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.

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 $17.00 - $18.00 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!