Crisis Worker, Part Time

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Medical, dental, and vision plans

403(b) retirement plan with match

Employee assistance program

Public service loan forgiveness

Job summary

Thresholds is seeking a Crisis Worker in Chicago to join our Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT). You will respond to mental health crises on the South Side, perform safety assessments, and connect callers to services or provide in‑person support with a Peer Engagement Specialist when needed.

Responsibilities include documenting services, following up with clients, and participating in professional development. A driver’s license and the ability to work the posted Friday schedule are required.

Qualifications

• Must have strong communication and crisis intervention skills.
• Experience or interest in mental health crisis response.
• Ability to work in high-stress situations with empathy.

Responsibilities

• Respond to mental health crises on the South Side of Chicago.
• Answer crisis hotline calls and perform safety assessments.
• Connect callers to services or provide face-to-face support as needed.
• Meet clients with a Peer Engagement Specialist for the least restrictive intervention.
• Document services and provide follow‑up based on client needs.
• Utilize downtime for professional development and community outreach.

Skills

Passion for mental health advocacy

Effective communication

Relationship-building

Ability to problem-solve

Time management

Age requirement 23+

Driver’s license (daily vehicle access

Ability to work assigned schedule

Education

High school diploma or GED + 5 years supervised clinical experience

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Social Work

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

Master’s degree in Psychology or Social Work

Job description

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

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 on the South Side of Chicago , 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. Two Friday Schedules:
  • Friday 3pm - 11:30pm
  • Friday 11:00pm - 7:30am

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: $27.00 - $30.58 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
  

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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