Community Support Specialist

Thresholds-Inc; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 71,205,000 - 76,870,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Medical insurance

403(b) match

Cell phone reimbursement

Public loan forgiveness

Clinical licensure supervision

Licensure reimbursement

Job summary

Thresholds is a mission-driven organization focused on mental health and recovery. As a Community Support Specialist, you will provide in-home and community-based support, help clients access services, and work to reduce barriers in daily life and treatment.

You’ll collaborate with clinical teams, coordinate transportation, and support care planning, while adapting to each client’s schedule and needs. This role offers training and opportunities across harm reduction, trauma‑informed care, and

Qualifications

• Passion for mental health advocacy.
• Strong communication and client relationship skills.
• Ability to manage time and organize daily tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and substance use support in the community.
• Coordinate care and connect clients with services and resources.
• Assist clients with navigating benefits offices and appointments.
• Support care planning and daily living skills for clients.

Skills

Mental health advocacy

Effective communication

Time management

Relationship building

Valid driver's license

Education

HS diploma or GED + 5 years supervised clinical experience

Bachelor’s in Psychology or Social Work

Bachelor’s in unrelated field + 2 years supervised clinical

Master’s in Psychology or Social Work

Job description

Lake County
4343 Old Grand Ave
Ste 200
Gurnee, IL 60031, USA

Description

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.

Working as a Community Support Specialist is a unique learning opportunity. Through care planning, you will be an integral part of a client’s growth and recovery. You will remove barriers to mental healthcare through case management: connecting our clients with resources and helping them navigate complex systems. You will help clients strengthen daily living skills as you drive them to doctors’ appointments, to benefits offices, or to the grocery store. Each day will be a little bit different, requiring you to adapt to your client’s schedule, needs, and treatment plan.

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

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Passion for mental health advocacy
• Effective communication and relationship-building 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
• SHIFT: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role:

• 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: Pay Range: $24.85 - $26.83 per hour (Annually $51,688 - $55,800)
• Based upon education, experience, and licensure
• $1000 salary increase for LSW or LPC licensure
• $1000 salary increase for CRSS
• Generous PTO
• Dental insurance, vision insurance,4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plans with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
• Reimbursement for licensure and licensure renewal

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission.

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.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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