MPI Community Behavioral Health Specialist (Part-time)

Metropolitan Family Services•Chicago, IL

12d

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services is hiring a Community Behavioral Health Specialist for its Metropolitan Peace Initiative Team. The role supports the Communities Partnering 4 Peace framework, which brings together community-driven strategies to reduce violence and gang activity by working with people at highest risk and the broader resident population. This part-time overnight position requires open availability for both listed shifts: 12:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.–2:30 a.m.; no alternative shifts are available. The work requires riding trains and providing services on train platforms and at transit stations, as well as flexibility to travel to different neighborhoods. The position provides behavioral health, crisis-response, case-management, counseling, advocacy, educational, and related services to Community Safety and Transit Operations and the communities they serve. The Specialist conducts assessments and intakes, coordinates behavioral health services, supports high-risk crisis responses, and develops partnerships and referral networks. The role also includes documentation, community engagement, training and facilitation, resource development, and collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders. The stated average starting pay range is $36.06–$39.42 per hour, with higher salary ranges available for candidates holding 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 fixed overnight schedule, including open availability for the listed shifts.
Comfort riding trains and working on train platforms and at transit stations.
Mobility to work with a community-based caseload and 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 LPC holders may be eligible for higher salary ranges.

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 with community members, local businesses, and high-risk individuals using professional, trauma-informed approaches.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of incidents, interventions, and referrals while protecting confidentiality and following professional standards.
Conduct comprehensive clinical 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, and promote compliance with clinical, ethical, and organizational standards.
Develop and strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders, behavioral health systems, hospitals, public safety agencies, and leadership.
Collaborate with CPRU team members on crisis intervention and post-crisis support.
Provide support for MPA; deliver trainings and facilitation; and develop curricula as needed.
Identify and use agency and community resources, assess community conditions and resource gaps, and join or develop groups and coalitions to address 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; support and attend Light in the Night events; and serve on regional or agency-wide committees as needed.
Provide clinical guidance and shadowing opportunities for students as needed.
Attend team meetings, case consultations, and individual supervision.
Establish referral networks with outside agencies for participants and their families.
Take a proactive role in developing 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.
Work the designated overnight shifts and provide services while riding trains and at train platforms and transit stations.