Community Support Specialist - Homeless Outreach - Westside Safe Haven

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with 3% match

EAP

Cell phone reimbursement

Public service loan forgiveness

Clinical supervision for licensure

Job summary

Thresholds is seeking a Community Support Specialist for the Homeless Outreach program at Westside Safe Haven in Chicago, IL. The role centers on delivering mental health and substance use support within the community setting and coordinating care with partners to meet immediate needs.

As part of a collaborative team, you will drive client-centered plans, assist with housing stability goals, and connect clients to benefits, medical care, and social services.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and reliable daily access to a vehicle.
• Multiple education pathways are eligible, including degrees in psychology/social work or related fields with supervised clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review members’ care plans with goals and services.
• Teach independent living skills and coping strategies.
• Provide support to members with collateral services and community resources.
• Document services in an Electronic Health Record promptly.

Skills

Effective communication

Time management

Relationship-building

Education

High school diploma or GED

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

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

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

Job description

Community Support Specialist - Homeless Outreach - Westside Safe Haven

Job Category: Staff

Requisition Number: COMMU008596

• Posted : October 1, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Chicago, IL 60641, 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.

HOP- Westside Safe Haven (WSH), is a 13-unit low-barrier housing program that provides on-site clinical supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness with severe mental illness, who are often reluctant to access services and/or housing. Unhoused community members with severe mental health challenges have difficulty navigating and maintaining conventional congregate shelter stays and/or housing opportunities due to their mental health symptoms, which often results in chronic unsheltered homelessness thereby increasing risk of serious injury and/or death for this vulnerable population. By employing a housing first, trauma-informed and client-centered approach, Westside Safe Haven endeavors to meet immediate needs while assisting individuals in working towards their goals.

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and reviews members’ care plans by identifying goals, objectives, and specific mental health services needed.
• Teaches members independent and community living skills, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, coping skills, etc.
• Provides support to members with collateral social service agencies and the community.
• Documents services provided in an Electronic Health Record in a timely manner.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Effective communication and relationship-building
• 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
  • Must obtain and maintain liability car insurance of:
  • $100,000 per person bodily injury
  • $300,000 per accident
  • $100,000 property damage

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

SHIFT/SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday - 8:30am-5:00pm (40 hours/week)

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $ 23.10 - $26.54 hourly / $46,384 - $55,200 annually
• Generous PTO
• Vision insurance,
• 403(b) retirement plan 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)

Our culture is supportive, and you will collaborate with your team to coordinate client care and talk through challenges. Deepen your knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other clinical best practices through ongoing opportunities for training and professional development, including clinical supervision. This is an invaluable experience to launch a variety of career paths and growth opportunities available within Thresholds.

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. Click here to learn more.

One of the oldest and largest 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.