Employment Support Specialist

Thresholds•Chicago, IL

2d•$22 - $23

About The Position

Are you passionate about helping individuals find and sustain employment? As an Employment Support Specialist, you will help people experiencing mental illness make progress toward employment goals that align with their interests and strengths. You will be trained in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, an international evidence-based practice for those who have severe and persistent diagnosed mental illness which has been proven to increase the likelihood of employment compared to those without support. You will remove barriers to employment by working with the client to develop their own preferences around employment and assist the client with creating a plan to achieve that goal. You will help them strengthen full-cycle employment skills such as preparing for an interview, creating a resume/cover letter, effectively communicating with employers, navigating transportation barriers and other tasks related to obtaining and maintaining employment. You will not only see their progress but will document their employment progress. No day is the same and you get to see the difference that you make every day. In addition to direct mentorship, you will network with employers in the area to increase employment opportunities for Thresholds clients, both before and after the individual is hired. This can look like building relationships with hiring managers, advocacy, negotiating accommodations on behalf of clients, and doing follow-along contact to help a client maintain their employment. Our culture is supportive, and you will collaborate with both your team and clinical teams to coordinate client care and talk through challenges. Deepen your knowledge of IPS principles, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other clinical best practices through ongoing opportunities for training and professional development, including clinical supervision. This is an invaluable experience to launch a variety of career paths and growth opportunities available within Thresholds.

Requirements

Passion for mental health advocacy
Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills
To be at least 21 years old
A valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and a car for daily use
Willingness to provide transportation to clients
High school diploma or GED certificate and years of experience in the workforce
Bachelor’s degree in a related mental health field
Master’s degree in a related mental health field

Responsibilities

Work with the client to develop their own preferences around employment and assist the client with creating a plan to achieve that goal.
Help them strengthen full-cycle employment skills such as preparing for an interview, creating a resume/cover letter, effectively communicating with employers, navigating transportation barriers and other tasks related to obtaining and maintaining employment.
Document their employment progress.
Network with employers in the area to increase employment opportunities for Thresholds clients, both before and after the individual is hired.
Building relationships with hiring managers, advocacy, negotiating accommodations on behalf of clients, and doing follow-along contact to help a client maintain their employment.
Collaborate with both your team and clinical teams to coordinate client care and talk through challenges.

Benefits

Competitive pay - Base Rate: $22.25 - $23.25 per hour / $46,280 - $48,360 annually 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,â¯4 medical insurance plans
403(b) retirement plans with 3% employer matchâ¯
Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
Mileage reimbursement
Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
Public service loan forgivenessâ¯
Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)â¯
Reimbursement for licensure and licensure renewal