Community Therapist

Kenneth Young Center•Arlington Heights, IL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization providing outpatient behavioral health and related services in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The Community Therapist provides recovery-oriented behavioral health services to adults living in the community with mental illness. Services include in-person outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, community support, and case management, based on each client’s needs. The role coordinates individual and group treatment services that address assessed functional impairments and promote independence through natural community supports. Services are delivered at flexible times and in settings suited to client needs and potential outcomes, including clients’ homes, the office, Permanent Supportive Housing buildings, and other community settings. The therapist conducts strength-based, trauma-informed assessments; develops and reviews treatment plans; provides clinical interventions and crisis stabilization; and supports clients in maintaining housing and living independently. The position also involves coordinating referrals, collaborating with building management and community partners, leading groups, maintaining a clinical caseload and documentation, and meeting agency productivity, quality, and compliance expectations. The schedule is generally weekdays during daytime and early evening, with flexibility for occasional evenings or Saturdays. Participation in rotating 24/7 on-call coverage is optional.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, or a related discipline.
Computer and smartphone proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, internet skills, and text messaging.
Ability to learn and effectively use internal collaboration and communication tools such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365.
Obtain Illinois IM-CANS certification within 30 days of hire; training is provided.
Valid Illinois driver’s license and daily access to a well-maintained, insured vehicle.
Ability to work a flexible schedule in response to the needs of the target population, including occasional evening and/or Saturday hours.
Ability to drive daily for assessments in nursing facilities throughout the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago and work in varied community environments based on assigned caseload.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness and providing clinical interventions, including case management and community support.
Experience working in non-traditional treatment environments such as in-home, residential, or community settings.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive, strength-based, trauma-informed mental health assessments to identify mental health and substance use needs and recommend care that supports client independence.
Provide community support, case management, therapy, independent living skills training, crisis intervention, and stabilization services through individual and group modalities as needed.
Manage a clinical caseload and complete bi-annual IM-CANS assessments, treatment plans, and other Medicaid-required paperwork.
Develop topics and curriculum and lead weekly therapy and/or skills groups at area Permanent Supportive Housing buildings in conjunction with the Team Lead and team members.
Facilitate internal and external referrals for additional services consistent with assessed needs and clients’ desired outcomes.
Engage clients in developing treatment plan goals, objectives, and interventions, and review and reassess progress at prescribed intervals.
Engage Permanent Supportive Housing tenants in assessing mental health needs, planning care, and participating in activities that support independent living and continued housing.
Work with building management and on-site service coordinators to address tenant and landlord issues and support continued tenancy.
Promote opportunities for clients to build natural support systems within housing settings and the surrounding community.
Under the direction of the Team Lead, engage new tenants, assess their ability to live independently, and share recommendations with property management.
Collaborate with partners to facilitate referrals and access to mental health and SUPR services across a broad geographic area.
Participate in de-escalation and help mitigate mental health and housing crises when necessary.
Work with the Team Lead and team members to identify, plan, and coordinate behavioral health service offerings.
Meet the estimated 50–60% billable-service productivity target.
Participate in clinical and administrative supervision, staff meetings, and directed trainings; seek additional clinical or program consultation as needed.
Meet as needed with building management and service coordinators to share plans and identify health, safety, and operational concerns.
Complete clinical documentation and required reports accurately and promptly in accordance with organizational policy.
Interpret and communicate Center policies and procedures at the service-delivery level and meet agency quality and compliance standards.
Drive daily to conduct assessments in nursing facilities throughout the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.
Optionally participate in rotating 24/7 on-call coverage.

Benefits

403(b) plan with organizational matching.
Medical insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, with low employee premiums.
Dental insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield, with low employee premiums.
Vision insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield, with low employee premiums.
Long-term and short-term disability coverage at no cost to the employee.
Flexible Spending Account with annual rollover.
Basic life insurance of $50,000 paid for by the organization, with optional additional voluntary coverage for the employee, spouse, or dependents.
Incentive program with potential quarterly bonuses.
Potential annual bonus and salary increase, discretionary based on the annual organizational financial audit.
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Four weeks of paid time off, with increases based on seniority.
Eight paid organization-wide holidays.
Three personal floating holidays annually.