Licensed Mental Health Clinician

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,709 - 72,850; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division is seeking a Licensed Mental Health Clinician in Chicago, Illinois. This position involves providing mental health services including assessments, treatment planning, and direct counseling to clients with behavioral health needs. You will ensure compliance with organizational policies and best practices while collaborating with multiple teams.

Prospective candidates should possess a master's degree, relevant licensure, and at least three years of experience in a related field. The role promises to be rewarding as you contribute to our mission and support vulnerable populations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the behavioral health field.
• Must be a Licensed Clinical Social Work or a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Responsibilities

• Complete Mental Health Evaluations.
• Maintain treatment plans that meet agency and DASA standards.
• Participate in staff meetings and clinic staffing.
• Work closely with psychiatrists and case managers.

Skills

Experience conducting full biopsychosocial evaluations

Identify mental health, substance use and social drivers

Assess suicide and safety risk; apply DSM-5 accurately

Ability to treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

Understand relapse patterns and triggers

Integrate mental health and addiction treatment plans

Comfort with structured treatment environments

Strong systems thinking beyond therapy skills

Confidence in handling crisis without over-escalation

Education

Master’s degree from an accredited university

Job description

Position Title

Licensed Mental Health Clinician

Location

Harbor Light/OPC Department

Reports To

Director of Clinical Programs

Employment Details

FLSA Category: Exempt
Employment Type: RFT
Pay Grade: 207
Pay Range: $60,709-$72,850

Who We Are

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to Doing the Most Good. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Job Summary

This position provides health services, including assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and care coordination for clients with mental health and substance use disorders. Ensures services are delivered in accordance with organizational policies, regulatory standards, and best practices.

Program/Client Environment

Clients served by The Harbor Light Program present with a wide range of behavioral health needs and may demonstrate challenging behaviors. Staff are expected to respond in a manner consistent with a structured treatment environment. All employee conduct, communication and interactions must align with therapeutic standards and support a safe and respectful care setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete Mental Health Evaluations.
• Carry an ongoing caseload and provide direct services to clients via individual and group counseling.
• Provide comprehensive assessments, dual diagnosis treatment, individual counseling and group facilitation.
• Ensure treatment is overseen and delivered according to individual treatment plans and current policies and procedures.
• Maintain treatment plans that meet agency and DASA standards; prepare clear, timely progress notes and audit‑ready reports.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with referral sources and community partners to support client needs.
• Participate in staff meetings and clinic staffing.
• Work closely with psychiatrists and case managers; present cases clearly in team meetings and incorporate feedback into treatment plans.
• Maintain active engagement in the field of mental health and substance use disorders.
• Follow state and funding source requirements; maintain all administrative policies and practices under guidance of the Director of Clinical Programs.
• Maintain ethical standards in all interactions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education

Requires a master’s degree from an accredited university.

Experience

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the behavioral health field.

Certifications

Must be a Licensed Clinical Social Work or a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Skills

• Experience conducting full biopsychosocial evaluations.
• Identify mental health, substance use and social drivers.
• Assess suicide and safety risk; apply DSM‑5 accurately.
• Ability to treat co‑occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Understand relapse patterns and triggers.
• Integrate mental health and addiction treatment plans.
• Comfort with structured treatment environments.
• Ability to manage clients with poor social skills and behavioral issues.
• Understand trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers.
• Experience with addiction recovery models.
• Strong tolerance for high emotional intensity and unpredictability.
• Strong systems thinking beyond therapy skills.
• Confidence in handling crisis without over‑escalation.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Director of Clinical Programs and relates to all support and clinical staff of all departments. Provides backup consultation to all clinical staff of the Harbor Light Center related to dual diagnosis clients. Acts as a representative of The Salvation Army in contacts related to this person’s duties.

Competencies

• Possess a strong personal conviction for the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Work within the ethical boundaries of the field.
• Competent in providing individual counseling, group counseling, substance abuse assessments, mental health evaluations and client documentation.
• Ability to work cooperatively with supervisor, support and clinical staff as well as other community providers.

Job Limitations

• Commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• Keep the Director of Clinical Programs informed on all critical issues relating to the area of responsibility.
• Adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Perform light physical work: walk two flights of steps and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Use standard office equipment and a PC regularly.
• Work in an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• Work with clients who have poor social skills, mental illness, and substance abuse problems.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere through respectful communication and conflict resolution.

The Salvation Army Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.