Crisis Support Specialist, Living Room - Part Time

Thresholds-Inc; Illinois; On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

403(b) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Public service loan forgiveness

Job summary

Thresholds is seeking a Crisis Support Specialist for the Living Room in Chicago, IL. This part-time position supports guests in crisis through advocacy, information, and peer support, drawing on lived experience where possible.

You will greet guests, help develop recovery plans, connect to services, and participate in training that supports CRSS certification; shifts include weekend and evening hours; generous benefits and a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health recovery preferred but not required.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong time-management and organizational abilities.
• At least 21 years old.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy, information, and peer support to Living Room guests.
• Engage guests in conversation to hear stories and strengths.
• Encourage steps in recovery and help develop crisis recovery plans.
• Model coping strategies and link guests with supportive services.
• Greet guests, learn their names, and welcome participation in recovery paths.
• Prepare food for guests and maintain a tidy space.
• Engage in training and supervision for CRSS certification and fees.

Skills

Lived experience

Effective communication

Time management

Age 21+

Education

High school diploma or GED

Higher education in Psychology or related field

CRSS preferred

Job description

Crisis Support Specialist, Living Room - Part Time

Job Category: Staff

Requisition Number: CRISI008544

• Posted : September 11, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Bridge South
734 W 47th St
Chicago, IL 60609, USA

Description

When people experience on the South Side of Chicago a mental health crisis, they are faced with the decision to go to the emergency department or to try to manage the crisis themselves. The Living Room McHenry offers an alternative: a community crisis center - a welcoming, accepting, and calm environment where Crisis Support Specialists provide advocacy, information, and peer support.

As a Crisis Support Specialist, you will use your personal experience with mental health recovery to support and educate Living Room guests on managing crisis. You will engage guests in conversation to hear their stories, learn about their interests and strengths, and respectfully encourage them to take steps in their recovery process. Over the course of the day, you may model coping strategies, help guests develop their own crisis recovery plans, and/or link guests with supportive services for after their crisis.

A welcoming environment is key to the success of the Living Room, so you will greet guests and learn their names as part of inviting them to take the lead in determining their recovery path. Crisis Support Specialists will also prepare food for guests and ensure that the space is neat and tidy.

Keep up to date on current trends in the mental health field and deepen your knowledge of evidence-based practices through ample training opportunities to enhance Living Room services. You can also gain supervision for CRSS certification and reimbursement for testing and application fees.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Lived experience of mental health recovery preferred but not required
• Effective communication and relationship-building
• Strong time management and organization
• To be at least 21 years old

Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role:

• High school diploma or GED certificate required
• Higher education in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or related field preferred
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) preferred

Part Time Shifts Available:

• Saturday: 7:00am - 3:30pm
• Saturday: 11:00pm - 7:30am
• Sunday: 7:00am - 3:30pm
• Sunday: 3:30pm - 11:30pm
• Sunday: 11:00pm - 7:30am
• Monday: 3:00pm - 11:30pm
• Monday: 11:00pm - 7:30am

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $25.50- $29.13 per hour
  • Based on education, experience, and licensure
• Generous PTO
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Public service loan forgiveness

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.