ASL Community Support Specialist - Deaf Program

$44,720 - $52,998/Yr

The Thresholds - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Community Support Specialist for the Deaf Program at Thresholds plays a crucial role in providing direct services to clients, focusing on individual and group counseling, vocational support, crisis intervention, and psycho-social rehabilitation. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting members of the Deaf community and are skilled in American Sign Language (ASL). The specialist will work closely with clients to identify risk factors related to relapse and develop effective relapse prevention plans and strategies tailored to each individual's needs. In this role, the Community Support Specialist will be responsible for developing and reviewing care plans for members, which includes identifying specific goals, objectives, and mental health services required. The specialist will also teach essential independent and community living skills, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and coping strategies, to empower clients in their daily lives. Collaboration with collateral social service agencies and community resources is a key aspect of this position, ensuring that members receive comprehensive support. Documentation of services provided will be maintained in an Electronic Health Record system, requiring timely and accurate entries to reflect the support given to clients. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in the Deaf community, demonstrating empathy, patience, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling/therapy to clients.
• Develop and review members' care plans, identifying goals and specific mental health services needed.
• Teach independent and community living skills to members.
• Provide support to members with collateral social service agencies and the community.
• Document services provided in an Electronic Health Record in a timely manner.
• Identify risk factors related to relapse and develop prevention plans.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED certificate with 5 years of supervised job-related experience in social services, or a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL).
• Daily access to a personal vehicle and a valid driver's license.
• Willingness to provide transportation for program members.
• Must obtain and maintain liability car insurance of $100,000 per person bodily injury, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 property damage.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay - Base Rate: $21.50 - $25.48 hourly / $44,720 - $53,000 annually, subject to increase based on education and experience.
• Generous Paid Time Off Policy (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days).
• 4 Medical Insurance Plans.
• Dental Insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• 403(b) with 3% employer match.
• Mileage Reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Supervision for Clinical Licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC).