Community Support Specialist - Homeless Outreach - Westside Safe Haven

At Thresholds, we believe in meeting people where they’re at – in their environment and on their journey to recovery. Community Support Specialists (CSS) provide mental health and substance use treatment support where it makes the most impact – in a person’s community. HOP- Westside Safe Haven (WSH), is a 13-unit low-barrier housing program that provides on-site clinical supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness with severe mental illness, who are often reluctant to access services and/or housing.

Unhoused community members with severe mental health challenges have difficulty navigating and maintaining conventional congregate shelter stays and/or housing opportunities due to their mental health symptoms, which often results in chronic unsheltered homelessness thereby increasing risk of serious injury and/or death for this vulnerable population.

By employing a housing first, trauma-informed and client-centered approach, Westside Safe Haven endeavors to meet immediate needs while assisting individuals in working towards their goals. 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

& RESPONSIBILITIES Develops and reviews members’ care plans by identifying goals, objectives, and specific mental health services needed. Teaches members independent and community living skills, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, coping skills, etc. Provides support to members with collateral social service agencies and the community.

Documents services provided in an Electronic Health Record in a timely manner. To succeed in this role, you need: Effective communication and relationship-building Good writing skills Strong time management and organization To be at least 21 years old A valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and daily access to your own car Willingness to provide transportation to clients Must obtain and maintain liability car insurance of: $100,000 per person bodily injury $300,000 per accident $100,000 property damage Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role: High school diploma OR GED certificate AND 5 years of supervised clinical experience Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field AND 2 years of supervised clinical experience Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field SHIFT/SCHEDULE: Monday

• Friday - 8:30am-5:00pm (40 hours/week) What sets Thresholds apart: Competitive pay
• Base Rate: $ 23.10 - $26.54 hourly / $46,384 - $55,200 annually Generous PTO Vision insurance, 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) Our culture is supportive, and you will collaborate with your team to coordinate client care and talk through challenges. Deepen your knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other clinical best practices through ongoing opportunities for training and professional development, including clinical supervision. This is an invaluable experience to launch a variety of career paths and growth opportunities available within Thresholds. Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering 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 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.