Community Support Specialist CST 3

Thresholds • Chicago, IL

4d • $50,440 - $54,400

About The Position

Are you passionate about harm reduction? You can make a difference in the lives of others at Thresholds! We believe in meeting people where they’re at – in their environment and on their journey to recovery, so we provide support where it makes the most impact – in a person’s home and community. As a Community Support Specialist with Thresholds’ Substance Use Treatment program, you will help people with substance use disorders through an array of harm reduction services. This team serves a population at high risk of opioid overdose and involvement in the justice system. With your team, you will do outreach at shelters or on the street at community events to distribute and educate clients on naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication. You will also make direct referrals to a wide variety of services, including substance use or mental health treatment. After a client has been engaged in services, you will remove barriers to housing, employment, and mental healthcare through case management. You will help clients solidify their recovery and 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, medication-assisted treatment, and other evidence-based practices. This invaluable experience will set you up for a variety of career paths and growth opportunities within our organization. To succeed in this role, you need: Passion for substance use and mental health treatment To embrace the harm reduction model Good writing and communication skills Strong time management, organization, and problem-solving To be at least 21 years old A valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and daily access to a car Willingness to provide transportation to clients Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role: High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience Active CRSS credential 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 CADC preferred

Requirements

• Passion for substance use and mental health treatment
• To embrace the harm reduction model
• Good writing and communication skills
• Strong time management, organization, and problem-solving
• To be at least 21 years old
• A valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and daily access to a car
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients
• High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience
• Active CRSS credential
• 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

Nice To Haves

• CADC preferred

Responsibilities

• Do outreach at shelters or on the street at community events to distribute and educate clients on naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication.
• Make direct referrals to a wide variety of services, including substance use or mental health treatment.
• Remove barriers to housing, employment, and mental healthcare through case management.
• Help clients solidify their recovery and strengthen daily living skills as you drive them to doctors’ appointments, to benefits offices, or to the grocery store.

Benefits

• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $24.25 - $25.72 hourly / $50,440 - $54,400 annually Good Faith Range Based upon education, experience, and licensure
• $1000 salary increase for LSW or LPC licensure
• $1000 salary increase for CRSS
• Generous PTO
• Dental insurance, vision insurance, 4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plans 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) 
• Reimbursement for licensure and licensure renewal

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees