Crisis Support Specialist — Community Mental Health Advocate

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer 3

EAP

Public service loan forgiveness

Clinical licensure supervision

Job summary

Thresholds is seeking a Crisis Support Specialist for a community crisis center on the South Side of Chicago. You will use your lived experience to support guests, engage in compassionate conversations, and guide recovery planning in a calm, welcoming environment.

You will learn and apply evidence-based practices, participate in training, and may pursue CRSS certification with supervision and fee support. The role includes preparing materials and maintaining the space.

Qualifications

• Lived experience of mental health recovery preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests and learn their names to invite them to participate in shaping their recovery path.
• Engage guests in conversation, listen to their stories, and encourage steps in recovery.
• Model coping strategies and help guests develop crisis recovery plans.
• Link guests with supportive services for aftercare and follow-up.
• Prepare food for guests and maintain a clean, welcoming space.
• Participate in ongoing training and supervision to support CRSS certification.

Skills

Lived experience

Effective communication

Relationship-building

Time management

Crisis de-escalation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Higher education in Psychology/Social Work/Counseling

CRSS certification preferred

Job description

Thresholds is seeking a Crisis Support Specialist for a community crisis center on the South Side of Chicago. You will use your lived experience to support guests, engage in compassionate conversations, and guide recovery planning in a calm, welcoming environment.

You will learn and apply evidence-based practices, participate in training, and may pursue CRSS certification with supervision and fee support. The role includes preparing materials and maintaining the space.