Education and Employment Support Specialist

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Medical insurance plans

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Thresholds, a Chicago-based nonprofit, is seeking an Education and Employment Support Specialist to help youth overcome barriers to work and education.

You will assess needs, build individual plans, coach on résumés and interviews, arrange transportation, and partner with schools and employers to expand opportunities.

Our culture is supportive and collaborative, with opportunities for professional development and coaching as you empower Thresholds members toward goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED certificate and several years of experience in the workforce.
• Valid driver’s license and current car insurance.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients.
• Ability to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques and lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Mentor youth to overcome barriers to education and employment.
• Develop individualized plans with participants and monitor progress.
• Coach on resumes, interviews, and job readiness skills (communication, transport, attendance).
• Collaborate with schools, employers, and clinical teams to expand opportunities for Thresholds members.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Driver's license

Transport clients

Trauma-informed care

IPS principles

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Education and Employment Support Specialist

Job Category: Staff

Requisition Number: EDUCA008616

• Posted : October 14, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Lakeview Health Center
2847 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657, USA

Description

Are you passionate about lowering barriers to education and employment? As an Employment & Education Specialist, you will help young people make progress toward goals that align with their interests, whether that is preparing to join the workforce or pursuing education.

You will remove barriers to employment by working with the member to develop their own preferences around employment and education and assisting the young person with creating a plan to achieve that goal. You will help them strengthen employment skills such as preparing for an interview, creating a resume/cover letter, effectively communicating with employers, navigating transportation barriers and other tasks related to obtaining and maintaining employment. You will also support youth in their educational pursuits towards high school diploma, GED, college, or trade programming.

In addition to mentoring youth directly, you will network with employers and schools in the area to increase employment and education opportunities for Thresholds members, both before and after a young person is hired or enrolled. This can look like building relationships with hiring managers, advocacy, negotiating accommodations on behalf of members, and doing follow-along contact to help a young person maintain their employment and/or succeed in their schooling.

Our culture is supportive, and you will collaborate with both your team and clinical teams within Youth and Young Adult Services to coordinate client care and talk through challenges. Deepen your knowledge of IPS principles, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other clinical best practices through ongoing opportunities for training and professional development, including clinical supervision. This is an invaluable experience to launch a variety of career paths and growth opportunities available within Thresholds.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Passion for mental health advocacy with the youth and young adult population
• Patience and willingness to meet youth where they’re at
• Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills
• A valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and a car for daily use
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients
• To be able to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, which require moderate exertion, being able to lift 40 pounds, and the mobility to lower self to a kneeling position on the floor. This training is provided and required by Thresholds.

Education and experience paths eligible for this role:

• High school diploma or GED certificate and several years of experience in the workforce

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $22.80- 25.63 per hour / $47,424.00 - $53,300.00 annually
  • Subject to increase based on education and experience
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
• Dental insurance, vision insurance,4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal

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.