Qualified Mental Health Specialist

GRO Community•Chicago, IL

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

Qualified Mental Health Specialists (QMHS) are Master’s-level mental health professionals who provide structured, one-on-one strength-based support to male clients at the ages of 5 and up. The Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) role focuses on supporting individuals involved in the probation system by addressing mental health needs, promoting stability, supporting compliance with court-ordered conditions, and reducing recidivism through trauma-informed, community-based care.

Requirements

Masters degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Psychology, or related field
Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills
Reliable transportation and active auto insurance required

Nice To Haves

Probation & Justice-Involved Expertise: Strong understanding of probation systems, court-mandated treatment, and the needs of justice-involved individuals.
Leadership & Supervision: Demonstrated experience supervising and developing clinical staff in behavioral health or justice-involved settings.
Clinical Excellence: Proficiency in assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
System Navigation: Ability to collaborate with probation officers, courts, and community resources including housing, employment, and social services.
Cultural Responsiveness: Commitment to culturally informed care, particularly for justice-impacted communities of color.
Crisis Management: Skilled in de-escalation, safety planning, and managing high-risk or court-involved client situations.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one and group-based behavioral health services.
Deliver skill-building, role-playing, social communication, and problem-solving interventions.
Support clients in real-life community settings including schools, homes, probation and reentry programs.
Collaborate with external stakeholders such as school deans, case managers, and probation officers.
Participate in treatment team meetings and follow clinical service plans.
Submit timely progress notes and discharge summaries.
Maintain a maximum caseload of 25 clients.
Attend supervision and team meetings regularly.
Teaching of alternative strategies, role-playing, behavioral rehearsal, skill acquisition in the community, practicing skills in the community, exposure to social situations in which age-appropriate skills can be practiced, enhancing conflict resolution skills, developing communication skills
Complete monthly professional and personal development training assigned by the GRO training department.
Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor, senior director, or other leadership based on the needs of business or departmental needs.