Community Support Specialist - Peer

$44,720 - $49,920/Yr

Illinois Certification Board - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

About the position

Thresholds is seeking a Community Support Specialist (CSS) who is passionate about using their mental health recovery experience to make a difference in the lives of others. This role is designed for individuals who have lived experience with mental health recovery and are eager to support others on their journey. As a CSS, you will provide mental health and substance use treatment support directly in the community, where it can have the most significant impact. You will be involved in care planning, helping clients navigate complex systems, and connecting them with essential resources. Your role will also include assisting clients in strengthening their daily living skills by providing transportation to appointments and other necessary locations. In this position, you will share your recovery story with clients, fostering a mutual learning environment where both you and the clients can grow. Each day will present new challenges and opportunities, requiring you to adapt to the unique needs and schedules of your clients. The culture at Thresholds is one of compassion and support, ensuring that you have the necessary tools and resources to provide the best care possible. You will work collaboratively with your team, advocating for clients and sharing insights from your lived experience to enhance their recovery journey. Thresholds is committed to your professional development, offering training opportunities in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices. To support your journey towards obtaining the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential, the organization provides free clinical supervision, fee reimbursement, and scholarship opportunities. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community but also sets you up for various career paths and growth opportunities within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and substance use treatment support in the community.
• Assist clients with care planning and navigating complex systems.
• Connect clients with necessary resources and services.
• Help clients strengthen daily living skills through transportation to appointments and errands.
• Share personal recovery experiences to foster mutual learning and support.
• Collaborate with team members to advocate for clients' needs and insights.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• Lived and living experience with personal mental health recovery.
• Passion for mental health advocacy.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good writing skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid driver's license, current car insurance, and daily access to a car.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients.
• High school diploma or GED certificate with 5 years of supervised clinical experience.
• Active CRSS credential or ability to obtain it within a year.
• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field with 2 years of supervised clinical experience.
• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in harm reduction and trauma-informed care practices.
• Previous work in community mental health settings.
• Knowledge of local mental health resources and services.

Benefits

• Competitive pay ranging from $21.50 to $24.00 per hour, with increases based on education and experience.
• Generous paid time off including 9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, and 15-22 days of personal and vacation leave.
• Dental and vision insurance, with a choice of 4 medical insurance plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP).
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.
• Cell phone reimbursement up to $50/month.
• Public service loan forgiveness program.
• Free supervision for clinical licensure (CRSS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC).
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal fees.