Community Support Specialist

Thresholds • Chicago, IL

6d

About The Position

Community Support Specialists (CSS) provide mental health and substance use treatment support in clients’ communities. The role involves care planning and case management to help clients make progress in recovery, overcome barriers to mental healthcare, connect with resources, and navigate complex systems. Specialists also help clients strengthen daily living skills and provide transportation to appointments, benefits offices, grocery stores, and other destinations. Work varies according to each client’s schedule, needs, and treatment plan. Thresholds offers a collaborative and supportive work culture, training and professional development, and clinical supervision to deepen employees’ knowledge and clinical skills in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices. The experience can support a range of career paths and growth opportunities within the organization.

Requirements

• Passion for mental health advocacy.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good writing skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• At least 21 years old.
• Valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and daily access to a personal car.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients.
• Eligible education and experience paths include: a high school diploma or GED and five years of supervised clinical experience; a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and two years of supervised clinical experience; or a master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Participate in care planning as part of clients’ growth and recovery.
• Provide case management, connect clients with resources, and help them navigate complex systems.
• Help clients strengthen daily living skills.
• Drive clients to doctors’ appointments, benefits offices, grocery stores, and other destinations.
• Adapt services to each client’s schedule, needs, and treatment plan.

Benefits

• Competitive pay of $25.50–$27.45 per hour ($53,040–$57,100 annually), subject to increase based on education and experience.
• Paid time off, including nine federal holidays, eight days of sick leave, and 15–22 personal and vacation days.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Choice of four medical insurance plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Cell phone reimbursement up to $50 per month.
• Public service loan forgiveness.
• Clinical licensure supervision at no cost for LSW, LCSW, LPC, and LCPC.
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal.
• Training and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED