Community Support Specialist

Thresholds; Westmont (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Mileage reimbursement

Cell phone reimbursement

Job summary

Thresholds is seeking a Community Support Specialist to provide community-based mental health and substance use treatment support. You will help clients access resources, assist with care planning, and navigate complex systems in their own environment.

Responsibilities include driving clients to appointments, supporting daily living skills, and coordinating transportation. A strong commitment to recovery, communication, and flexibility is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and substance use treatment support in the client’s community.
• Assist in care planning and connect clients with resources to navigate systems.
• Drive clients to appointments, benefits offices, and essential services.
• Support clients in strengthening daily living skills and coordinate transportation.

Skills

Mental health advocacy

Effective communication

Writing skills

Time management

21+ years old

Driver's license & own car

Education

High school diploma or GED + 5 yrs supervised clinical experience

Bachelor's in Psychology or Social Work

Bachelor's in unrelated field + 2 yrs supervised clinical

Master's in Psychology or Social Work

CRSS preferred

Job description

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
• 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
• LOCATED: 777 Oakmont Lane, Westmont, IL

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
• Preferably CRSS

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $24.85 - $26.83/hour / $51,688 - $55,800
• 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

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. Click here to learn more.

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.

#LI-SJ1

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.