Community Support Specialist - South Side

$46,280 - $55,099/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 environment and on their journey to recovery. Community Support Specialists (Mental Health Clinician) provide mental health and substance use treatment support where it makes the most impact - in a person's community. 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 in the community.
• Assist clients in care planning and navigating complex systems.
• Drive clients to appointments, benefits offices, and grocery stores.
• Help clients strengthen daily living skills through case management.
• Adapt to clients' schedules and treatment plans.

Requirements

• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good writing skills.
• Strong time management and organization skills.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid driver's license and current car insurance.
• Daily access to a personal vehicle.
• High school diploma or GED with 5 years of supervised clinical experience.
• 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.
• Active Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential.

Benefits

• Competitive pay: Base Rate - $22.25 - $26.49 per hour, subject to increase based on experience.
• $1000 salary increase for LSW or LPC licensure.
• $1000 salary increase for CRSS.
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation).
• 4 medical insurance plans, dental insurance, vision insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP).
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50 per month).
• Public service loan forgiveness.
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC).
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal.
• Free CEUs.