Residential Support Specialist - Young Adult Program (Overnight)

Thresholds • Chicago, IL

12d • $22 - $25

About The Position

Residential Support Specialists (RSS) work with young adults ages 16–21 who are experiencing mental health challenges. In a residential setting, they provide one-on-one and group support as clients learn and practice skills connected to relationships, school success, recreation, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living. They help maintain safety by supporting youth to regulate and safely express emotions, including by using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills. The role includes teaching independent living skills such as hygiene and housekeeping, helping residents prepare meals, modeling relationship-building skills, and coaching youth in coping skills.

RSS staff also help create a safe, inviting living environment by regularly cleaning the residence. They document residents’ experiences, progress, success with medication management, and recovery as they transition to adulthood.

Requirements

• Passion for mental health advocacy.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Compassion and respect when 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. Required training is provided by Thresholds.
• One of the following education and age pathways: high school diploma or GED certificate and at least 25 years of age; or an associate degree or higher and at least 21 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one and in groups with young people experiencing mental health challenges.
• Help clients learn and practice skills related to relationships, school success, recreational activities, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living.
• Support youth in regulating and safely expressing emotions, 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.
• Paid time off, including 9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, and 15–22 days of personal and vacation leave.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Choice of 4 medical insurance plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• Robust 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