A culture of collaboration strengthens outcomes for all

Every day, Community Alliance’s dedicated team comes together to support individuals on their path to recovery and well-being. Whether you’re just starting your mental health career, a PLMHP seeking expert supervision while working toward full licensure, or have extensive experience and training and are ready for your next step, our team is expanding with opportunities for therapists, nurses, peer support specialists and more in Omaha.

We sat down with Angie Newman, RN, a nurse care coordinator, and Marissa Hagen, PLMHP, a behavioral health therapist, to talk about what makes working at Community Alliance so rewarding.

Connected through integrated care

Like many team members at Community Alliance, Angie and Marissa may not work together directly every day, but their roles are connected through our integrated care model that holistically supports the health and well-being of those we serve.

“I talk with individuals and their other providers to make sure we all agree on the treatment plan,” Marissa explained. “If they want to get connected with different programs, we make that happen. Therapy helps them process emotions, talk through symptoms and learn coping skills, but we also make sure they can access support for basic needs like housing and employment.”

For many individuals, having access to an integrated care team and a wide range of services — all in one location — makes a world of difference. “A lot of people tell me they love being able to see their psychiatrist, primary care doctor and other providers all in one place,” Angie said. 

Marissa added, “We’ll schedule all of someone’s appointments for the same day they’re at Community Alliance. If they’re ever having an issue, we don’t have to wait for phone calls — everyone supporting them is right here.”

While their roles differ, both Angie and Marissa share a deep sense of purpose in being part of someone’s mental health or substance use recovery journey.

“I’ve worked in mental health for years before coming to Community Alliance,” Angie said. “Here, I get to witness people progress over the long term. You don’t always get to see that in an inpatient setting, where people might only stay a few days before being discharged.”

Breaking stigma and fostering hope

Marissa finds fulfillment in working with individuals who often face the greatest barriers to care.

“As I was going through school, I was working with the same population we serve at Community Alliance,” she said. “The people who come here can have more complex care needs, which can intimidate new therapists who have not had that experience.  But you realize these individuals mainly just need someone to listen. Once we get them established with medication and support from other programs, they can really improve their lives.”

Angie agreed, sharing, “A lot of people just want someone to listen. That alone can make a huge difference.”

Both Angie and Marissa describe the culture at Community Alliance as collaborative, compassionate and deeply supportive for the individuals served as well as staff. For Marissa, joining the team was especially meaningful as a newer clinician. “I’ve never had a job that was so excited to bring me on board. As someone still early in my career, that gave me a lot of confidence. Everyone here makes me feel supported.”

Teamwork that goes above and beyond

Community Alliance’s culture of teamwork extends beyond job descriptions. 

“Working with both our clients and our staff is such a great experience,” Angie said. “Everyone works together for the success of those we serve. If you ask for help, people are always willing to jump in.”

“One of the individuals I was working with visited Community Alliance for help while in crisis. I was serving someone else at the time, but our rapid response team stepped in right away to assist,” Marissa recalled. “Everyone here is willing to help wherever needed.”

That kind of collaboration often leads to powerful moments of progress. “Sometimes people come back and say, ‘You pushed me enough’ or ‘Now I have my own apartment and a job,’” Marissa said. “Being part of that transformation is incredible.”

Angie added, “Even though we’re not an emergency room, we see people in urgent situations. When they come back after being hospitalized and thank us for being there, it reminds me why we do what we do. And when I walk through the lobby and someone stops me just to tell me how they’re doing, good or bad, that means a lot. It shows they trust me and see me as someone who cares.”

At Community Alliance, every team member plays a part in transforming lives by treating the whole person, not just their diagnosis, and walking alongside each individual as they build a healthier life. Whether you’re just starting your career or are looking to continue it in a place that values collaboration, compassion and growth, there’s a place for you at Community Alliance.

Explore our available positions and learn more about joining the Community Alliance team.