Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) provide hands-on, community-based support to help individuals develop the practical skills needed to live more independently and successfully in their homes and communities.

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Unlike traditional therapy, which primarily focuses on emotional and behavioral health treatment, CCSS focuses on practicing skills in real-life situations. A Community Support Worker (CSW) works alongside the individual to identify barriers, build strengths, practice new skills, connect with community resources, and increase independence.

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CCSS may address areas such as independent living, education and learning, employment, socialization, recreation, community participation, and accessing needed resources and services.

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CCSS is provided in addition to therapy and other behavioral health services when appropriate, allowing clients to receive both clinical treatment and practical support toward recovery and independence.

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Eligibility and medical necessity for CCSS are determined through a Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation and assessment of the individual's needs.

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Examples of CCSS Services

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Independent Living Skills

• Developing routines for cleaning, organization, and household responsibilities

• Learning meal planning, grocery shopping, and basic cooking skills

• Developing budgeting and money-management skills

• Building time-management and organizational skills

• Identifying and addressing barriers to maintaining stable housing

 

Education & Learning

• Developing organization and study routines

• Working toward educational or GED goals

• Practicing time management and task completion

• Connecting with educational and community resources

• Building skills needed to successfully participate in school or training programs

 

Employment Skills

• Searching and applying for employment

• Developing résumés and completing applications

• Practicing interview and communication skills

• Developing appropriate workplace behaviors

• Building skills needed to obtain and maintain employment

 

Socialization & Community Skills

• Practicing healthy communication and interpersonal skills

• Developing appropriate boundaries

• Building confidence in social situations

• Increasing positive community involvement

• Learning how to develop and maintain healthy relationships

 

Recreation & Wellness

• Identifying healthy hobbies and interests

• Increasing participation in positive recreational activities

• Exploring community activities and resources

• Developing healthy ways to use free time

• Building routines that support overall wellness and recovery

 

Community Resources & Service Coordination

• Identifying needed community resources and supports

• Connecting clients with healthcare and behavioral health services

• Assisting clients in understanding and accessing available resources

• Developing skills for scheduling and managing appointments

• Supporting communication and coordination with other providers when appropriate

 

Self-Advocacy & Independent Decision-Making

• Learning how to communicate needs effectively

• Practicing problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Building confidence when interacting with providers, schools, employers, and community organizations

• Learning how to ask questions and advocate for needed services

• Increasing independence in managing personal responsibilities

 

Working Toward Greater Independence

The goal of CCSS is not to do things for the individual, but to work with them.

Through coaching, modeling, skill development, practice, and support in real-world settings, CCSS helps individuals build the confidence and abilities needed to manage everyday life more independently.

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The goal is progress—not perfection—and helping each individual develop the skills needed for greater independence, stability, and participation in their community.