Community Support Specialist - Veterans Project

Thresholds-Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

$1000 licensure salary increase (LSW/L

Job summary

Thresholds-Inc in Chicago is seeking a Community Support Specialist for the Veterans Project to provide community-based mental health and substance-use support. You will collaborate with a care team, remove barriers to services, and help clients navigate complex systems on their journey to recovery.

You will develop care plans, transport clients to appointments, and support daily living skills while adapting to each client’s unique schedule and treatment plan.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus 5 years of supervised clinical experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus 2 years of supervised clinical experience.
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Military service preferred.
• Housing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and substance use treatment support in clients' communities.
• Develop care plans, connect clients with resources, and navigate systems.
• Help clients strengthen daily living skills and attend appointments.
• Coordinate transportation to doctors, benefits offices, and grocery stores.
• Adapt to each client’s schedule and treatment plan.

Skills

Effective communication

Relationship-building

Time management

Organizational skills

Driver's license & car access

Transportation to clients

Education

High school diploma or GED

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

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

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

Military service preferred

Housing experience preferred

Job description

Community Support Specialist - Veterans Project

Job Category: Staff

Requisition Number: COMMU008072

• Posted : October 14, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

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 (Vets) 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 our Veteran'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
• 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.
• Military Service - preferred.
• Housing Experience preferred.

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive Pay: $23.10 - 25.10 hourly / $48,048 - $52,200 annually
  • Commensurate with education, experience, and licensure
  • $1000 salary increase for LSW or LPC licensure
  • $1000 salary increase forCRSS
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
• 4 medical insurance plans, dental insurance, & 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 (CRSS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license 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. 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.

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.