Community Support Specialists provide mental health support where it makes the most impact—in our clients' homes and communities. As a Community Support Specialist, you walk alongside clients in every step of their recovery.

Thresholds is one of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois. We pride ourselves on being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.

Are you someone who enjoys getting to know someone and coaching them towards achieving their goals related to work, relationships, and independent living? Working as a Community Support Specialist is a unique learning opportunity. You will remove barriers to mental healthcare through case management: connecting our clients with resources and helping them navigate complex systems. You will also drive them to doctors’ appointments, to benefits offices, or to the grocery store to strengthen daily living skills.

You will create plans for symptom management and teach coping skills to support clients to reclaim their lives. You will not only see their progress, but will document their experiences and recovery process. No day is the same and you get to see the difference that you make every day.

Our culture is supportive, and you will collaborate with your team to coordinate client care and talk through challenges. Deepen your knowledge of 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.

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission. Click here to learn more.

To succeed in this role, you need:

Effective communication and relationship-building Good writing skills Strong time management and organization To be at least 21 years old A valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and daily access to your own car Willingness to provide transportation to clients

Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role:

High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field

What sets Thresholds apart: 

Competitive pay - Base Rate: $20.55 - 23.00 per hour / $42,740 - $47,830 annually Subject to increase based on education and experience Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation) Dental insurance, vision insurance, 4 medical insurance plans 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match  Robust employee assistance program (EAP) Mileage reimbursement  Public service loan forgiveness  Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC) 

Covid-19 Note: In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from Thresholds, you will be required to share proof of a COVID-19 vaccination and booster upon eligibility.  You may apply for a Medical or Religious Exemption in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

Keywords: social work, case worker, case manager, case management, mental health, substance use, social service, counseling