Community Support Specialist - West Side

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Medical plans (4)

403(b) match

Employee assistance program

Mileage reimbursement

Cell phone reimbursement

Public service loan forgiveness

Licensure supervision

Job summary

Thresholds, a Chicago-based community mental health organization, seeks a Community Support Specialist to deliver mental health and substance use support in clients’ communities. You will engage in care planning, remove barriers to care, and connect clients with resources while helping them navigate complex systems.

You will drive clients to appointments, benefit offices, and essential services, adapting to each client’s schedule and treatment plan.

Qualifications

• Must have effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good writing skills are required.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and daily access to own car.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and substance use treatment support in the client’s community.
• Assist with care planning and connect clients to resources and navigate systems.
• Help clients strengthen daily living skills and accompany them to appointments and services.

Skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Writing skills

Time management

Driver's license

Transportation to clients

Education

HS diploma/GED

Bachelor’s in Psychology or Social Work

Bachelor’s in unrelated field + 2 yrs supervised clinical experience

Master’s in Psychology or Social Work

Job 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:

• 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

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive pay - $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
• 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

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.

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-JP1

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.