Residential Support Specialist - Youth and Young Adult Services (Overnight)

Thresholds • Chicago, IL

12h • $22 - $25

About The Position

Residential Support Specialists work one-on-one and in groups with youth ages 16–21 experiencing mental health challenges. In a residential setting, they help young people learn and practice skills related to relationships, school success, recreation, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living. They promote safety by helping youth regulate and safely express emotions, including through Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills.

The role involves teaching independent living skills such as hygiene and housekeeping, helping residents prepare meals, modeling relationship-building skills, and coaching youth on coping skills. Specialists help foster a safe and inviting living environment by regularly cleaning the residence. They observe and document residents’ experiences, progress, medication-management success, and recovery as they transition to adulthood.

Requirements

• Passion for mental health advocacy.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Compassion and respect while working in someone’s home.
• Patience and willingness to meet youth where they are.
• Good writing skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, which require moderate exertion, lifting 40 pounds, and mobility to lower oneself to a kneeling position on the floor. Training is provided and required by Thresholds.
• High school diploma or GED certificate and age 25 or older; alternatively, an associate degree or higher and age 21 or older.

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one and in groups with youth ages 16–21 experiencing mental health challenges.
• Teach and support skills related to relationships, school success, recreational activities, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living.
• Help youth regulate and safely express emotions, including using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention skills.
• Teach independent living skills, including hygiene and housekeeping.
• Help residents prepare meals.
• Model relationship-building skills and coach youth on coping skills.
• Regularly clean the residence to help maintain a safe and inviting living environment.
• Document residents’ experiences, progress, medication-management success, and recovery process.

Benefits

• Competitive pay of $22.30–$24.60 per hour, subject to increase based on education and experience.
• Generous PTO, including 9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, and 15–22 days of personal and vacation time.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Choice of 4 medical insurance plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Public service loan forgiveness.
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC).

What This Job Offers

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