Oasis Associate

Oasis Associate – Heritage Behavioral Health Center – Decatur, IL

Salary:   

Minimum Requirement:   High School or GED: $18.00/hour + 56 paid days off annually

Schedule: Full-Time | 40 hours per week | Day Shift 

The Oasis is open 7 days per week, 365 days per year.   Oasis Associates are scheduled from 6:30 am-11:30 am; 1:00 pm-5 pm.   Every other weekend is required.

Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!

About Heritage Behavioral Health Center  

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area.  We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold.   

Why You’ll Love Working Here: 

• Collaborative mission-driven work environment
• Every other Friday off – paid wellness days 
• 56 paid days off in your first year 
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks 
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff’s needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve.  Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!   

Your Role:

Oasis Associate – Heritage Behavioral Health Center – Decatur, Illinois

As an Oasis Associate at Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, Illinois, you will provide compassionate, person-centered support to adults experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Based at the Oasis Drop-In Center, you will help individuals access essential resources, navigate community systems, and connect to services such as mental health care, substance use treatment, healthcare, education, and employment. Your role is to foster trust, promote dignity, and empower individuals to work toward stability and recovery.

Core Responsibilities:

• Welcome and engage individuals at the Oasis Drop-In Center, creating a safe and supportive environment.
• Assist guests in identifying immediate needs and developing short-term and long-term goals.
• Provide linkage and referrals to community resources, including housing, healthcare, mental health, substance use treatment, and employment services.
• Offer guidance on navigating social service systems and accessing benefits.
• Support individuals in building life skills and resilience through coaching and encouragement.
• Document interactions and maintain accurate records in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to coordinate care and advocate for client needs.
• Respond to crises and provide de-escalation support when necessary.
• Promote empowerment, self-determination, and recovery-oriented principles in all interactions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge: 

• Understanding of homelessness, housing instability, and related social determinants of health.
• Familiarity with local community resources, social service systems, and benefits programs.
• Basic knowledge of mental health and substance use challenges.

Skills: 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging individuals in crisis or transition.
• Problem-solving and advocacy skills to help clients overcome barriers.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple priorities and documentation requirements.

Abilities: 

• Work independently in a fast-paced, community-based setting while maintaining accountability.
• Demonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
• Adapt to changing needs and environments with flexibility and resilience.

Qualifications 

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 21 years of age 
• A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.

Heritage also offers the following with full-time positions: 

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave 
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off paid, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement 
• Insurance:    Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance.    Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401k and Roth
• Professional Growth:    Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities 

Ready to make a difference?  Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve!