Community Support Specialist - Emerging Adults

Thresholds • Chicago, IL

6d

About The Position

Community Support Specialists in the Mindstrong/Emerging Adults Program provide community-based mental health support to young adults experiencing serious mental health challenges. Through care planning, they support clients’ growth and recovery and provide case management by connecting clients with resources and helping them navigate complex systems. The role also involves helping young adults strengthen daily living skills, including driving them to appointments, benefits offices, and grocery stores, and assisting with activities and programs that contribute to their overall development. Work varies day to day and requires adapting to each client’s schedule, needs, and treatment plan. The position is part of a collaborative and supportive culture, with training, professional development, and clinical supervision intended to expand skills in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices such as the Transition to Independence (TIP) Model.

Requirements

• Passion for mental health advocacy with youth and young adults.
• Patience and willingness to meet young people where they are.
• Strong writing skills.
• Strong time management and organization 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.
• One of the following education and experience paths: high school diploma or GED and five years of supervised clinical experience; bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and two years of supervised clinical experience; or master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health support to young adults in their communities.
• Participate in care planning to support clients’ growth and recovery.
• Provide case management, connect clients with resources, and help them navigate complex systems.
• Help clients develop daily living skills.
• Transport clients to appointments, benefits offices, and grocery stores.
• Assist with activities and programs that contribute to young adults’ overall development.
• Adapt services to clients’ schedules, needs, and treatment plans.

Benefits

• Competitive pay of $24.85–$28.27 per hour ($51,688–$58,800 annually), commensurate with 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 3% employer match.
• Employee assistance program.
• 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