Community Support Specialist Substitute

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 46,800 - 50,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

A leading mental health organization in Chicago seeks a Community Support Specialist to provide vital mental health support in clients' homes and communities. This role involves assisting clients with care planning, navigating resources, and improving daily living skills. Candidates must have effective communication and relational skills, a valid driver's license, and a willingness to provide transportation. This position offers competitive pay and opportunities for professional development, emphasizing a supportive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a valid driver's license and car insurance.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health support in clients' homes and communities.
• Assist clients in navigating complex systems and resources.
• Help clients strengthen daily living skills.

Skills

Effective communication and relationship-building

Good writing skills

Strong time management and organization

Education

High school diploma or GED with 5 years experience

Bachelor's degree in psychology, Social Work, or related field

Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field with 2 years experience

Master's degree in psychology, Social Work, or related field

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. As a Community Support Specialist, you walk alongside clients in every step of their recovery.

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:

• 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.
• SHIFT: Available to work a 1st, 2nd or 3rd shift

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: $22.50 - $24.42/hour / $46,800 - $50,800 annually
• Based upon education, experience, and licensure
• Clinical Roles – list below
• $1000 salary increase for LSW or LPC licensure
• $1000 salary increase for CRSS
• Paid time off available
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement if driving is required

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 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.

Keywords: social work, case worker, case manager, case management, mental health, substance us social service, counseling