MPI Community Behavioral Health Specialist (Part-time)

Metropolitan Family Services•Chicago, IL

3h•$36 - $39

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services is hiring a part-time Community Behavioral Health Specialist for its Metropolitan Peace Initiative team. The role supports Communities Partnering 4 Peace, a framework that brings community-driven strategies together to reduce violence and gang activity. The work includes serving individuals at high risk of driving violence and working with residents to improve community safety and well-being. The position provides behavioral health and crisis response services in community and transit settings. Duties include assessing needs, de-escalating and mediating mental-health-related crises, providing case management and counseling, coordinating referrals and community resources, and offering follow-up support. The specialist also collaborates with community organizations and public agencies, supports trainings and facilitation, and maintains accurate, confidential records. This is a part-time overnight position with two specified shifts: 12:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.–2:30 a.m. Candidates must have open availability for both shifts; no alternative shifts are available. The position requires riding trains and providing services on train platforms and at transit stations, as well as flexibility to travel to different neighborhoods of the city. The stated average starting pay range is $36.06–$39.42 per hour, with higher ranges available for candidates who hold an LCSW or LPC.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
Two years of related post-master's experience at an intermediate skill level.
Availability for the specified overnight shifts and comfort riding trains and working on train platforms and at transit stations.
Mobility to work with a community-based caseload.
Ability to maintain assigned community- and home-based services.
Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or related license.
Bilingual Spanish.

Responsibilities

Identify, de-escalate, and mediate tense situations related to mental health concerns; build trust with diverse individuals and groups; and provide post-crisis support to promote stabilization and healing.
Engage with community members, local businesses, and high-risk individuals using professional, trauma-informed approaches.
Document incidents, interventions, and referrals accurately and promptly while protecting confidentiality and meeting professional standards.
Perform comprehensive clinical assessments, psychosocial assessments, and intakes as assigned.
Provide case management, counseling, advocacy, educational, and related services to Community Safety and Transit Operations.
Coordinate behavioral health services in community and transit systems, including reviewing complex cases, supporting high-risk crisis responses, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, and improving service effectiveness and team performance.
Develop and strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders, behavioral health systems, hospitals, public safety agencies, and leadership.
Collaborate with CPRU team members on crisis de-escalation, mediation, trust-building, and post-crisis follow-up.
Provide support for MPA, trainings, and facilitation.
Identify and use agency and community resources, assess community conditions and resource gaps, and join or develop groups and coalitions addressing community needs.
Recommend financial assistance for clients and provide group services as program needs indicate.
Meet contractual requirements, including 24-hour crisis coverage.
Represent and interpret agency programs in the community and support and attend Light in the Night events.
Attend team meetings, case consultations, and individual supervision; may serve on regional or agency-wide committees.
May provide clinical guidance and shadowing opportunities for students.
Provide ongoing support, training, facilitation, and curriculum development.
Establish referral networks and linkages with outside agencies for participants and their families.
Help develop social work services and programming that support trauma-informed care.
Meet agency expectations for direct-service quantity and record keeping.
Work effectively with diverse staff and service populations and travel to different city neighborhoods.