ASL Community Support Specialist - Deaf (Substitut

$44,720 - $52,998/Yr

Thresholds - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Social Assistance

About the position

At Thresholds, we believe in meeting people where they're at - in their community, on their journey to recovery, and in their own language. Thresholds was the first in the nation to offer comprehensive and integrated mental health services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Community Support Specialists (CSS) within Thresholds' Deaf Program provide mental health and substance use treatment support where it makes the most impact. The Thresholds Deaf Program is the first and only program of its kind in Illinois, offering comprehensive community-based services for persons with serious mental illnesses who are deaf or hard of hearing. Staffed by employees fluent in the use of American Sign Language (ASL) who understand the unique cultural needs of the Deaf community, the Thresholds Deaf Program provides a full range of specialized services. Working as a Community Support Specialist is a unique learning opportunity. Through care planning, you will be an integral part of a client's growth and recovery. You will remove barriers to mental healthcare through case management: connecting our clients with resources and helping them navigate complex systems. You will help clients strengthen daily living skills as you drive them to doctors' appointments, to benefits offices, or to the grocery store. Each day will be a little bit different, requiring you to adapt to your client's schedule, needs, and treatment plan. The culture at Thresholds is collaborative and supportive, providing you with the tools and resources you need for the best client care. Opportunities for training and professional development, including clinical supervision, will deepen your knowledge and expand your clinical skills in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices. This invaluable experience will set you up for a variety of career paths and growth opportunities within our organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and substance use treatment support to clients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Assist clients in care planning and facilitate their growth and recovery.
• Remove barriers to mental healthcare through effective case management.
• Connect clients with resources and help them navigate complex systems.
• Support clients in strengthening daily living skills by providing transportation to appointments and other necessary locations.
• Adapt to clients' schedules, needs, and treatment plans on a daily basis.

Requirements

• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required.
• Passion for mental health advocacy and the Deaf community.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential.
• Good writing skills are necessary for documentation and communication.
• Strong time management and organizational skills are required.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• A valid driver's license, current car insurance, and daily access to a car are required.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients is necessary.
• Availability for substitute or on-call work is required.

Nice-to-haves

• High school diploma or GED certificate is acceptable.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay - Base Rate: $21.50 - $25.48 hourly / $44,720 - $53,000 annually, subject to increase based on education and experience.
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation).
• Dental insurance, vision insurance, choice of 4 medical insurance plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan 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 professional licensure and license renewal.