MPI Community Behavioral Health Specialist

Metropolitan Family Services•Chicago, IL

5d•$75,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services is seeking a full-time Community Behavioral Health Specialist for its Metropolitan Peace Initiative Team. The position supports the Communities Partnering 4 Peace framework, which brings together community-driven strategies to reduce violence and gang activity by engaging individuals at highest risk and working with residents to improve community perceptions and conditions. The specialist provides behavioral health and social work services in community and transit settings, including crisis response, case management, counseling, advocacy, education, assessment, and referrals. The role requires riding trains and providing services on train platforms and at transit stations, along with flexibility to travel to different Chicago neighborhoods. The position has two specified shifts, 12:00 PM–7:30 PM and 7:00 PM–3:00 AM, and requires open availability for both; no alternative shifts are available. On-call availability is required for one designated week per month, with details discussed during hiring. The position also coordinates behavioral health services across community and transit systems, supports high-risk crisis responses, develops partnerships and referral networks, and provides trainings and facilitation. The employee attends team meetings, case consultations, and supervision, maintains accurate records, meets direct-service and contractual requirements, and works with diverse staff and service populations. The starting salary range is $75,000–$80,000 annually, with higher ranges available for candidates holding an LCSW or LCPC.

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 shifts, including open availability for both 12:00 PM–7:30 PM and 7:00 PM–3:00 AM shifts.
Availability for on-call responsibilities for one designated week per month.
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.
LCSW or LCPC may qualify candidates for a higher salary range.

Responsibilities

Identify, de-escalate, and mediate tense situations related to mental health concerns; build trust with diverse individuals and groups; and provide post-crisis follow-up support.
Engage effectively 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 following professional standards.
Conduct comprehensive assessments and 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 across community and transit systems, review complex cases, support high-risk crisis responses, ensure compliance with standards, and implement strategies to improve 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 response, de-escalation, mediation, and post-crisis support.
Provide support for MPA.
Provide trainings, facilitation, ongoing support, and curriculum development.
Identify and use agency and community resources; assess community conditions to identify resource gaps and problems.
Join or develop groups and coalitions to address community needs.
Recommend financial assistance for clients and provide group services as needed.
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 regular team meetings, case consultations, and individual supervision.
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 neighborhoods of the city.
May serve on regional or agency-wide committees and provide clinical guidance and shadowing opportunities for students.