Community Health Specialist IL

Overview

Find out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.

Are you passionate about empowering communities through evidence-based health initiatives? Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a dynamic Community Health Specialist to lead prevention efforts and foster meaningful partnerships across The State of Illinois.

In this impactful role, you’ll design and implement programs that promote wellness, resilience, and recovery. You’ll collaborate with community groups, and stakeholders to build capacity and drive change—while contributing to Chestnut’s mission of delivering trauma-informed, integrated care.

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.

• Please note to be considered for a position you must attach a resume, complete the application, and answer all screening questions. Selected candidates may be asked to complete a short presentation or additional skills-based assessments during the interview process.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and evaluate prevention programs for youth and adults

Facilitate community coalitions using evidence-based practices

Manage program budgets and submit monthly financial reports

Conduct outreach and present data to support health partnerships

Lead needs assessments and program evaluations

Develop media campaigns and educational materials aligned with grant goals

Identify funding opportunities and write grant proposals

Submit timely reports for grants and contracts

Mentor staff and interns; provide training and guidance

Represent Chestnut in local, state, and national advocacy efforts

Support agency initiatives, staff development, and committee participation

Promote trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented practices

Uphold confidentiality and customer service excellence standards

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Master’s degree in behavioral health, public health, or education-related field and 2+ years of experience

OR

Bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields with 5+ years of professional experience

Strong knowledge of prevention theory, program development, and community capacity building

Preferred experience in grant writing and budgeting

Proven leadership and project management skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and online reporting systems

Valid driver’s license, private auto insurance, and home internet connection

Ability to travel within the designated service area

Must be able 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 our benefits here!