Residential Support Specialist - Mothers Project

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Thresholds seeks a Residential Support Specialist committed to supporting young adults facing mental health challenges. In this role, you will coach clients toward independent living, teach essential life skills, and promote a safe, encouraging environment. Join a mission-driven agency that champions diversity and inclusion while making a meaningful impact in the community.

Benefits

Generous PTO

Dental and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Mileage reimbursement

Cell phone reimbursement

Supervision for clinical licensure

Qualifications

• Passion for mental health advocacy.
• Good writing skills.
• 5 years clinical experience or higher education.

Responsibilities

• Coaching youth on independent living skills.
• Ensuring safety and emotional regulation.
• Documenting progress and experiences.

Skills

Effective communication

Relationship-building

Compassion

Patience

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associates degree or higher

Job description

Do you enjoy getting to know someone and coaching them towards achieving their goals related to work, relationships, and independent living? You could make a difference in someone’s life every day as a Residential Support Specialist (RSS) working with pregnant and parenting young adults between the ages of 17-24, as well as their young children.

Residential Support Specialists work one-on-one and in groups with youth experiencing mental health challenges. Within the residential setting, you will assist the clients as they learn and practice skills related to what matters most to young people: relationships, school success, recreational activities, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living. You will also ensure safety by helping youth regulate and safely express their emotions, including using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills. During an average day, you will teach independent living skills like hygiene and housekeeping, help residents prepare meals, model relationship-building skills, and coach youth on coping and parenting skills.

Not only do you help clients develop key independent living skills, you are also fostering a safe and inviting living environment by regularly cleaning the residence. You will see their progress and document their experiences, success with medication management, and recovery process as they transition to adulthood.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Passion for mental health advocacy
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Compassion and respect while working in someone’s home
• Patience and willingness to meet youth where they’re at
• Good writing skills and attention to detail

There are multiple educational pathways to be eligible for this role:

• High School diploma or GED certificate, at least 5 years of related clinical experience, and at least 25 years of age.
• Associates degree or higher and at least 21 years of age.

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive Pay: Base rate: $21.50 - 23.75 per hour / $44,720 – 49,400 annually
  • Good Faith Range
  • Based upon education, experience, and licensure
  • Clinical Roles – list below
    • $1000 salary increase for LSW or LPC licensure
    • $1000 salary increase for CRSS
• Generous PTO
• Dental insurance, vision insurance, 4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plans with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
• Reimbursement for licensure and licensure 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. 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.