Education and Employment Support Specialist

Thresholds • Chicago, IL

10h

About The Position

The Education and Employment Support Specialist helps young people pursue education and employment goals that align with their interests. The specialist works with members to identify preferences, develop plans, and address barriers to achieving their goals. Support may include strengthening job-search skills, assisting with educational pursuits, and providing transportation. The specialist also builds relationships with local employers and schools to expand opportunities for Thresholds members, advocates for members, negotiates accommodations, and follows up after placement or enrollment to support continued success.

The role includes direct mentoring and collaboration with the specialist’s team and clinical teams within Youth and Young Adult Services to coordinate client care and discuss challenges. The employee receives ongoing training and professional development in areas including IPS principles, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care, as well as clinical supervision. Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training is provided and required; the techniques involve therapeutic restraint and moderate physical exertion.

Requirements

• Passion for mental health advocacy with youth and young adults.
• Patience and willingness to meet youth where they are.
• Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and a car for daily use.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients.
• Ability to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, including moderate exertion, lifting 40 pounds, and lowering oneself to a kneeling position on the floor.
• High school diploma or GED certificate and several years of workforce experience.

Responsibilities

• Help young people identify education and employment preferences and develop plans to achieve their goals.
• Address barriers to employment and education.
• Help members build employment skills, including interview preparation, resume and cover letter creation, communication with employers, and navigating transportation barriers.
• Support youth pursuing a high school diploma, GED, college, or trade programming.
• Network with local employers and schools to increase education and employment opportunities for members.
• Build relationships with hiring managers, advocate for members, and negotiate accommodations on their behalf.
• Provide follow-along contact to support members in maintaining employment and succeeding in school.
• Mentor youth directly and coordinate client care with team members and clinical teams within Youth and Young Adult Services.
• Participate in training and professional development, including clinical supervision.
• Provide transportation to clients.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, with a base rate of $22.80–$25.63 per hour ($47,424–$53,300 annually), subject to increase based on education and experience.
• Paid time off, including 9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, and 15–22 personal and vacation days.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Four medical insurance plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Cell phone reimbursement up to $50 per month.
• Clinical licensure supervision at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC).
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal.

What This Job Offers

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