Crisis Worker

Thresholds-Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Medical insurance plans

403(b) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Public service loan forgiveness

Supervision for licensure

Job summary

Thresholds is seeking a Crisis Worker for the Mobile Crisis Response Team to respond to mental health crises in Chicago neighborhoods, conducting safety assessments and linking individuals to services. You will work with a Peer Engagement Specialist to provide appropriate, least restrictive interventions, including at-home or community visits when needed.

The role includes follow-ups, documentation, and ongoing professional development to enhance harm reduction and trauma-informed care skills,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 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 supervised clinical experience.
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Respond to mental health crises via crisis hotline and assess safety.
• Connect caller to services or providers; accompany for face-to-face intervention if needed.
• Work as a pair with a Peer Engagement Specialist to assist the person in crisis.
• Provide least restrictive interventions and support hospitalization alternatives when appropriate.
• Conduct follow-ups and document services provided.
• Engage in professional development and community outreach during downtime.

Skills

Mental health advocacy

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Age 23+

Driver's license

Night shift schedule

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Social Work/related

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

Master’s degree in Psychology/Social Work/related

Job description

Description

Use your clinical skills to be a part of transforming the crisis care system! Like a physical health crisis, a mental health crisis can be devastating for individuals, families, and communities. Thresholds’ Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) is committed to providing services and supports to best meet the needs of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. As a Crisis Worker, you will respond to mental health crises in the Uptown, Lakeview, and North Center communities, acting as an alternative to or in conjunction with hospitalization or police response.

Each shift, you will answer calls to our crisis hotline and conduct a quick yet robust safety assessment to determine what response is needed. You may connect the caller to an appropriate service or provider, or if a face-to-face intervention is necessary, you and a Peer Engagement Specialist will meet the caller at home, their workplace, or another location in the community. As a pair, you will assist the person in crisis with the least restrictive intervention possible. This can look like anything from walking someone through a panic attack to assisting them with hospitalization.

Community interventions occur year-round, in all weather conditions. The team may also distribute basic necessities to individuals in crisis, such as firstaid items, water, or warm clothes. After responding to the crisis, you will offer a follow-up to the client based on their needs as well as document the services provided. During downtime between calls, you will have the opportunity to focus on professional development through self-directed projects and community outreach efforts.

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.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time and occasionally traverse long distances and ascend/descend multiple flights of stairs.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Passion for mental health advocacy
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to problem-solve
• Strong time management and organization
• To be at least 23 years old
• A valid driver’s license (having daily access to a vehicle preferred)
• Ability to work assigned schedule: Sunday thru Thursday 10:45PM - 7:15AM

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 - Base Rate: $26.50 - $30.00 per hour
  • Based on education, experience, and licensure
• Generous PTO
• Dental insurance, vision insurance,3 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
  

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.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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