Community Support Specialist - South Side Chicago

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 46,800 - 59,010; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LSW/LPC licensure boost

CRSS licensure boost

Generous PTO

Health insurance plans

403(b) retirement plan with 3% match

Loan forgiveness

Job summary

Thresholds is seeking a Community Support Specialist to provide mental health support in clients' homes and communities on Chicago's South Side. You will help clients grow, recover, and navigate healthcare and social systems.

You will work with care planning, case management, and transportation to appointments while benefiting from training and supervision to deepen clinical skills in harm reduction and trauma-informed care.

Qualifications

• Effective communication and relationship-building.
• Good writing skills.
• Strong time management and organization.
• A valid driver's license, current car insurance, and daily access to your own car.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health support in clients' homes and communities on Chicago's South Side.
• Develop care plans and assist clients growth and recovery.
• Coordinate resources and navigate complex systems for clients.
• Drive clients to doctors' appointments, benefits offices, or the grocery store.

Skills

Effective communication

Good writing skills

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in Psychology/Social Work

Bachelor's degree in unrelated field + 2 years clinical experience

Master's degree in Psychology/Social Work

Active CRSS credential

Job description

Do you enjoy getting to know someone and coaching them towards achieving their goals related to work, relationships, and independent living? Community Support Specialists provide mental health support where it makes the most impact—in our clients' homes and communities on Chicago's South Side.

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 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 the organization.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Effective communication and relationship-building
• 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

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
• Active Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive pay: Pay Range - $22.50 - $28.37 per hour / $46,800 - $59,000 annually
  • 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)
• 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 licensure and licensure renewal

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.