Employment Support Specialist

Thresholds; Northfield Township (IL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Medical insurance plans

403(b) retirement plan with employer 3

EAP

Public service loan forgiveness

Cell phone reimbursement

Job summary

Thresholds is seeking an Employment Support Specialist in the Northfield, IL area to support individuals with mental illness in achieving employment goals. You will be trained in IPS, remove barriers to employment, and collaborate with clinical teams to create personalized employment plans and progress updates.

You will network with local employers, advocate for clients, and help prepare resumes, interview skills, and transportation planning.

Qualifications

• Passion for mental health advocacy and commitment to client-centered care.
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients and coordinate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Mentor individuals toward employment goals using IPS model.
• Network with area employers to increase opportunities for Thresholds clients.
• Collaborate with team and clinical staff to coordinate client care and progress.
• Document client employment progress and training outcomes.

Skills

Passion for mental health advocacy

Strong communication skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Driver's license

Reliable transportation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

New Foundation Center
444 W Frontage Rd
Northfield, IL 600933009, USA

Description

Are you passionate about helping individuals find and sustain employment? As an Employment Support Specialist, you will help people experiencing mental illness make progress toward employment goals that align with their interests and strengths.

You will be trained in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, an international evidence-based practice for those who have severe and persistent diagnosed mental illness which has been proven to increase the likelihood of employment compared to those without support.

You will remove barriers to employment by working with the client to develop their own preferences around employment and assist the client with creating a plan to achieve that goal. You will help them strengthen full-cycle 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 not only see their progress but will document their employment progress. No day is the same and you get to see the difference that you make every day.

In addition to direct mentorship, you will network with employers in the area to increase employment opportunities for Thresholds clients, both before and after the individual is hired. This can look like building relationships with hiring managers, advocacy, negotiating accommodations on behalf of clients, and doing follow-along contact to help a client maintain their employment.

Our culture is supportive, and you will collaborate with both your team and clinical teams 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
• 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
• Availability to work in the North Suburbs of Chicago based out of 444 Frontage Rd. Northfield IL

Many education and experience paths are 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: $22.25 - $23.25 per hour / $46,280.00 - $52,000.00 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster 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
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.