Frontline Transit Crisis Navigator

Street-Samaritans; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Street Samaritans is seeking a Crisis Intervention Specialist to conduct frontline outreach along the CTA Blue Line, engaging individuals in distress with trauma‑informed, compassionate care. You will work with a Clinical Lead and telepsychiatry backup from WOVEN Clinics for high‑acuity encounters.

You will build trust with diverse riders, document encounters, and connect people to health and housing services while maintaining safety in transit environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of street outreach or related field experience.
• Ability to engage individuals in crisis or acute distress calmly and effectively.
• Comfort in unpredictable, physically demanding field environments such as transit stations and trains.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with distressed individuals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach to individuals on CTA trains and platforms.
• Respond to rider-submitted reports and locate individuals needing attention.
• Perform initial assessments of safety, behavioral health status, and basic needs.
• Apply de‑escalation techniques in public transit settings.
• Facilitate warm referrals to clinical services and escalate to telepsychiatry when needed.
• Document encounters accurately in case management systems.
• Participate in daily team huddles and weekly supervision.
• Provide feedback on system performance and community needs.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Crisis intervention

Street outreach

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Cultural competency

Coping under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Human Services, or related field

Peer Support Specialist certification or CRSS (IL)

Job description

Street Samaritans is seeking a Crisis Intervention Specialist to conduct frontline outreach along the CTA Blue Line, engaging individuals in distress with trauma‑informed, compassionate care. You will work with a Clinical Lead and telepsychiatry backup from WOVEN Clinics for high‑acuity encounters.

You will build trust with diverse riders, document encounters, and connect people to health and housing services while maintaining safety in transit environments.