Community Support Specialist

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Dental and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Mileage reimbursement

Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal

Job summary

A leading community mental health organization in Chicago is seeking a Community Support Specialist to provide vital mental health and substance use treatment support in clients' communities. Responsibilities include care planning and case management, supporting clients with daily living skills, and adapting services to client needs. Candidates should have a passion for mental health advocacy, effective communication skills, and must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license. This role offers competitive pay, generous PTO, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• At least 21 years old.
• A valid driver's license, current car insurance, and daily access to your own car.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients.

Responsibilities

• Provide care planning and case management to remove barriers to mental healthcare.
• Support clients in strengthening daily living skills.
• Adapt to each client’s schedule and treatment plan.

Skills

Passion for mental health advocacy

Effective communication and relationship-building skills

Good writing skills

Strong time management and organization

Willingness to provide transportation

Education

High school diploma or GED and 5 years of supervised clinical experience

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Job description

Overview

At Thresholds, we believe in meeting people where they're at - in their environment and on their journey to recovery. Community Support Specialists (CSS) provide mental health and substance use treatment support where it makes the most impact - in a person's community.

Responsibilities

• Provide care planning and case management to remove barriers to mental healthcare by connecting clients with resources and helping them navigate complex systems.
• Support clients in strengthening daily living skills and accompany them to doctors' appointments, benefits offices, or the grocery store.
• Adapt to each client’s schedule, needs, and treatment plan while delivering compassionate, client-centered services.

What to expect in this role

The culture at Thresholds is collaborative and supportive, providing you with the tools and resources you need for the best client care. You will have opportunities for training and professional development, including clinical supervision, to deepen your knowledge and expand your clinical skills in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices. This experience supports growth into a variety of career paths within our organization.

Qualifications

• Passion for mental health advocacy
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Good writing skills
• Strong time management and organization
• To be at least 21 years old
• A valid driver\'s license, current car insurance, and daily access to your own car
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients

Education and experience paths

• High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience
• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience
• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field

What sets Thresholds apart

• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $24.25 - $27.16/hour / $50,440 - $57,400
• Subject to increase based on education and experience
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
• Dental insurance, vision insurance, choice of 4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal

About Thresholds

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency\'s mission. Learn more at Thresholds\' website.

Recognition

One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago\'s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.