Community Support Specialist

Thresholds-Inc; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

PTO

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Medical insurance plans

403(b) retirement with 3% match

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Phone reimbursement

Public service loan forgiveness

Licensure supervision

Job summary

Thresholds is seeking a Community Support Specialist in Kankakee, IL, to assist clients with care planning and navigating healthcare systems. You will drive clients to appointments, help them access resources, and support daily living skills within a collaborative, growth-focused team.

The role emphasizes harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and ongoing professional development through supervision. A valid driver’s license and willingness to provide transportation are required.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and care coordination to aid client growth and recovery.
• Help clients navigate barriers to mental healthcare and access resources.
• Assist with transportation to doctors’ appointments, benefits offices, or groceries.
• Participate in training and supervision to enhance clinical skills in harm reduction and trauma-informed care.

Skills

Mental health advocacy

Effective communication

Relationship-building

Time management

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Soci al Work/related field

Bachelor’s degree in unrelated field + 2 years supervised clinical experience

Master’s degree in Psychology/Social Work/related field

Job description

Kankakee Main Offices
202 N Schuyler Ave
Ste 205
Kankakee, IL 60901, USA

Description

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: Base Rate: $23.10- 25.10 per hour
• 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.

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.