VP-CST Mental Health Practitioner

Metropolitan Family Services • Chicago, IL

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is seeking a Mental Health Practitioner for its Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) office. MFS empowers families to learn, earn, heal, and thrive, acting as an engine of change since 1857. This role focuses on providing community-based services to clients, emphasizing a holistic approach to behavioral health and well-being.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work or counseling from an accredited college or university required.
• 2+ years of experience working in community violence prevention, behavioral health, criminal justice, or related community-based settings, required.
• Ability to maintain consistent community-based behavioral health services under the VP-CST model, often in collaboration with outreach workers and other community partners.
• Skilled in working effectively with diverse individuals and groups impacted by trauma, community violence, and systemic inequities.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles, adult development, and the impact of poverty, violence, and discrimination on mental health.
• Familiarity with community resources (housing, employment supports, substance use treatment, healthcare) and ability to navigate local systems on behalf of clients.
• Awareness of HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, and ethical standards in behavioral health and social services.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and respond effectively in sensitive situations.
• Collaborative mindset, able to work as part of a multidisciplinary VP-CST team (case managers, outreach workers, clinicians, peer specialists) to support holistic care.
• Ability to complete structured assessments and screening tools (such as PHQ-9, GAD-7, or program-specific intake forms) accurately and sensitively.
• Presentation and group facilitation skills, with the ability to deliver psychoeducation workshops or community trainings on behavioral health, coping strategies, and wellness topics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, data entry systems, electronic health records, and professional written and verbal communication.
• Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, as program needs require.
• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and criminal background checks.
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.
• Travel between sites required.

Nice To Haves

• Must become IM+CANS certified within 3 months of hire and maintain re-certification annually preferred.
• Must have applied to take the LSW or LPC examination (or hold an equivalent state credential) preferred.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or another language prevalent in the service community preferred.
• Awareness of Medicaid billing and documentation standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and intakes to determine client needs, strengths, and eligibility for VP-CST services.
• Provide individualized case management, counseling, and advocacy to address behavioral health, safety, and stabilization needs in alignment with the VP-CST model.
• Develop and monitor service plans, collaborating with clients and interdisciplinary teams to establish achievable goals.
• Recommend changes to the authorizing LPHA and VP-CST services including transition to less intensive services consistent with the individual’s IATP.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in compliance with Medicaid, managed care, and agency recordkeeping standards.
• Maintain fidelity to the VP-CST approach, ensuring no more than an 18:1 client-to-staff ratio, and prioritize intensive, relationship-based engagement.
• Deliver community-based and home-based services, including individual, family therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, skill building, and resource navigation as directed by the IATP.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate groups as appropriate to promote psychoeducation, coping strategies, or community building.
• Identify and connect clients to community resources, coordinating care across systems such as housing, medical, employment, and legal supports.
• Advocate for clients within community networks, helping reduce barriers and ensuring culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.
• Participate and lead required trainings, team supervision, and team meetings to uphold program quality and professional development.
• Represent the agency and the VP-CST program in the community, building partnerships and increasing awareness of available services.
• May require additional certifications or training in youth development, restorative justice, or mentoring practices as specified by the program, grant, or funding source.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level