Community Health Specialist

Job ID

2025-4820

# Positions

1

Type

Regular Full-Time

Category

Prevention

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.

• 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

• 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!

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