Mental Health Outreach Worker - Youth & Young Adult Services

Make a difference in the lives of young people experiencing homelessness! As a Mental Health Outreach Worker for the BFF (Building Flourishing Families) program, you will provide mental health screening, counseling, recovery-focused outreach, case management services, and crisis intervention for homeless youth, many of whom are also pregnant or parenting. Yu will remain connected with homeless youth programs and shelters across the city in order to support youth where they're at and connect youth to resources to address housing, medical, mental health, substance use treatment, and other needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Travel to multiple locations and homeless programs throughout the city, and maintain flexibility in working in community locations where homeless youth may want to connect.
• Provide individual counseling, case management support, and linkage to homeless youth at community shelters or other community providers for homeless youth.
• Meet with Supervisor to problem solve, train, monitor, and guide clinical case management and service delivery responsibilities toward effective, dignified, and timely interventions.
• Provide outreach to these providers in order to engage young adults into counseling and services, and to create partnerships with other homeless youth organizations in need of mental health services.
• Participate in homeless youth constituency meetings and workgroups.
• When appropriate, recommend linkage to Thresholds' Mothers Homeless Youth Transitional Living Program.
• Maintain the quality and validity of reports and individual case records according to CARF, Medicare, Medicaid, DMH and other governing bodies as appropriate.
• Assess, evaluate, and make recommendations to enhance the therapeutic/clinical perspective on all program interventions.
• Document services in E-Cornerstone, Thresholds Electronic Health Record, and any other necessary portals.
• Provide regular communication with homeless youth providers in which services are rendered. Provide clinical consultation to these providers’ teams. Provide regular communication with Thresholds supervisors and Thresholds Mothers Project team.
• Assist with CSSLP Families activities and linkage on occasion.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Good writing skills
• Patience and willingness to meet young people where they’re at
• Passion for mental health advocacy with the youth and young adult population
• Strong time management and organization

REQUIREMENTS

• TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention) Certification required after participating in Thresholds TCI training.
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients
• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field preferred.
• At least 23 years old
• A valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and daily access to your own car

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal
• Dental insurance, vision insurance, choice of 4 medical insurance plans
• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $24.90 - 26.35 hourly / $51,800 - 54,800 annually
  • Subject to increase based on education and experience
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
• Subject to increase based on education and experience
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match

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.

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

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.