Community Therapist

Kenneth Young Center; Arlington Heights (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) plan with matching

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Long and Short Term Disability

Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off

Incentive programs

Job summary

A local not‑for‑profit organization in Arlington Heights is seeking a qualified individual to provide recovery-oriented behavioral health services to adults. The role involves delivering in-person outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, and therapeutic support in various community settings. Candidates should possess a Master’s degree in social work or psychology and experience in community support and crisis management. A competitive benefits package and flexible scheduling options are offered. Join us in making a positive impact on mental health in the community.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology or a related discipline required.
• Preferred experience with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.
• Experience in community settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide recovery-oriented behavioral health services to adults with mental illness.
• Manage clinical caseload and complete required assessments.
• Facilitate internal and external referrals.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Community support

Crisis intervention

Case management

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in social work or psychology

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not‑for‑profit dedicated to providing comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to individuals of all walks of life. Located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, we offer a wide range of services including outpatient therapeutic care, recovery‑oriented support, community prevention, LGBTQ+ outreach, older adult services, and crisis intervention. Our team welcomes and celebrates unique perspectives and represents the diversity and vitality of our local communities. Join our team to grow in your career while building stronger, healthier communities.

Kenneth Young Center offers a robust benefit package that is highly competitive to the market and offers all full‑time employees the following:

• 403(b) plan with organizational matching
• Medical Insurance (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois - BCBS)
• Dental (BCBS), and Vision Insurance (BCBS) with low employee premiums
• Long Term and Short Term Disability (BCBS), no cost to employee
• Flexible Spending Account (with annual rollover)
• Basic life insurance (50k) paid for by the organization and option for additional voluntary coverage for self, spouse, or dependents (BCBS)
• Incentive program with potential for quarterly bonuses
• Opportunity for annual bonus and salary increase (discretionary based on annual KYC financial audit)
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

To further promote an active and healthy work/life balance, KYCalso offers a generous amount of paid time off and staff holidays.

• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (With increases based on seniority)
• 8 Paid Organization‑Wide Holidays
• 3 Personal Floating Holidays annually

Job Scope

Provide recovery‑oriented behavioral health services to adults living in the community with mental illness. This position provides in‑person outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, community support and case management depending on a client’s needs and coordinates a range of individual and group treatment services that target assessed areas of functional impairment and promote independence through the development and use of natural community supports. Treatment services are delivered at flexible times that meet clients’ needs and in settings that offer the best potential for positive outcomes, including in‑home, in‑office, at Permanent Supportive Housing buildings, and in community‑based settings.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, strength‑based, trauma‑informed mental health assessments to identify an individual’s mental health and substance use needs, treatment planning, and recommendations for care that promote the independence of clients served.
• Provide community support, case management, therapy, independent living skills training, crisis intervention and stabilization services using individual and group modalities as needed.
• Manage clinical caseload, complete bi‑annual IMCANS assessment and treatment plan and other Medicaid required paperwork.
• Develop topics and curriculum and lead weekly therapy and/or skills group at permanent supportive housing buildings in the area, in conjunction with Team Lead and team members.
• Facilitate internal and external referrals for additional services consistent with assessed needs and client’s desired outcomes such as SUPR, CST/ACT, Drop‑In, IRG, employment, psychiatry, physical health, etc.
• Engage clients in the development of treatment plan goals, objectives and interventions that address their assessed behavioral health needs and review and reassess progress at prescribed intervals.
• Effectively engages Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) tenants in assessing their mental health needs, planning care, and participating in activities that will optimize their abilities to live independently and maintain their housing.
• Work cooperatively with the building management company and on‑site service coordinator to troubleshoot tenant/landlord issues and ensure continued tenancy for clients.
• Promote opportunities for clients to build natural systems of support within their communities, both within PSH and apartment complexes, and within the surrounding community.
• Under direction of Team Lead, engage new tenants and assess for ability to live independently and share recommendations with property management.
• Collaborate with partners to facilitate referrals and access to mental health and SUPR services across broad geographical area.
• Perform and participate in de‑escalation and mitigate mental health and housing crisis when necessary.

Administrative and Performance Requirements

• Work with Team Lead and other team members to identify, plan, and coordinate provision of behavioral health service offerings.
• Meet productivity target estimated at 50‑60% billable service.
• Participate in clinical and administrative supervision as directed, to receive and offer feedback and for performance evaluation and seek additional clinical and program consultation as needed.
• Participate in All Staff meetings and other staff meetings and trainings as directed by Team Lead.
• Meet as needed with Building Management and Service Coordinator to share planning, identify health or safety concerns, and other issues pertinent to the operation of PSH buildings.
• Complete all clinical documentation and required reports in an accurate and timely manner per KYC policy.
• Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Center policies and procedures.
• Meet agency quality and compliance standards.
• Knowledge of community services, resources and benefits for clients served.

Education, Experience and Other Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology or a related discipline required.
• Preferred experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness providing a variety of clinical interventions including case management and community support.
• Preferred experience working in non‑traditional treatment environments i.e. in‑home, residential, community settings.
• Computer and smartphone proficiency, including working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Internet skills, text messaging. Knowledge and ability to learn and effectively utilize electronic internal collaboration and communication tools (ex. Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365).
• Obtain Illinois IM‑CANS certification within 30 days of hire (training provided).
• Applicants must have a valid IL Driver’s License and daily access to a well‑maintained/insured vehicle.
• Will be required to drive daily for assessments in nursing facilities throughout the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Will work in varied community environments based on assigned caseload.

Schedule

• Hours generally weekday, daytime and early evening. Must be able to work a flexible schedule in response to the needs of the target population served, including occasional evening and/or Saturday hours.
• Optional: participate in rotating 24/7 on‑call coverage.

Kenneth Young Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer