Psychiatric Assessment Specialist

FRIEND HEALTH; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

A community health organization in Chicago is seeking a Psychiatric Assessment Specialist to conduct timely psychiatric assessments and support clients in crisis. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree, QMHP credential, and a strong background in mental health. You will engage with interdisciplinary teams, provide therapy, and ensure compliance with regulatory documentation standards. This position offers a salary of $60,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field is required.
• QMHP credential is required.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in psychiatric or crisis settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis calls onsite within 60 minutes.
• Complete psychiatric assessments and link clients to care.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Understanding of DSM

Knowledge of Illinois Mental Health Code

Ability to manage documentation

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work or Psychology

QMHP credential

Job description

Job Summary

The Psychiatric Assessment Specialist is responsible for completing timely and accurate psychiatric assessments for clients in crisis, documenting evaluations, determining levels of care, and linking individuals to appropriate services. This position also holds a caseload within the DMH Expanded Non-Medicaid group.

Location & Shift

Monday through Friday from 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm and one weekend per month.

HRDI - Jackson Park Mental Health Clinic
7531 S Stony Island Ave
Chicago, IL 60649, USA

Job Duties

• Respond to 100% of crisis calls onsite within 60 minutes.
• Complete psychiatric assessments and link clients to appropriate care.
• Conduct mental health evaluations including risk assessments.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create treatment plans.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy.
• Refer clients to external resources as needed.
• Participate in trainings and maintain clinical knowledge.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related human services field (required).
• QMHP credential (required).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in psychiatric or crisis settings (preferred).
• Strong understanding of DSM, Illinois Mental Health Code, and Rule 132.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage documentation and multi‑disciplinary communication.

Psychiatric Assessment Specialist SMART Goals

• Accurate Diagnosis: Display the ability to diagnose accurately by aligning clinical assessments with reported symptoms and observed behaviors.
• Effective Listening Training: Complete one training per quarter on Effective Listening techniques to enhance rapport and understanding during crisis situations.

Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) SMART Goals

• Trauma‑Informed Care: Review Trauma‑Informed Care approaches every 3 months and apply these practices daily with all client interactions.
• Therapeutic Techniques & Documentation: Utilize the appropriate therapeutic approach to address identified diagnoses and consistently document the clinical methods used during every client session over the next 6 months.
• LOCUS Competency: Demonstrate a full understanding of the Level Of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) within 30 days of hire.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

This job description is to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the duties as described. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate commensurate to the position. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Friend Health - HRDI reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks deemed as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $60,000

Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Occupational Risk For Exposure To TB

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position involves extensive community and patient contact. Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols. The only acceptable exceptions to this requirement are documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline TB testing will be required to wear a mask when deemed necessary.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our Team!

Join HRDI’s dynamic mental health team and help make a difference in the lives of individuals in crisis. We offer competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative, mission‑driven environment.