Employment Support Specialist

Are you passionate about helping individuals find and sustain employment? As an Employment Support Specialist, you will help people experiencing mental illness make progress toward employment goals that align with their interests and strengths.

You will be trained in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, an international evidence-based practice for those who have severe and persistent diagnosed mental illness which has been proven to increase the likelihood of employment compared to those without support.

You will remove barriers to employment by working with the client to develop their own preferences around employment and assist the client with creating a plan to achieve that goal. You will help them strengthen full-cycle employment skills such as preparing for an interview, creating a resume/cover letter, effectively communicating with employers, navigating transportation barriers and other tasks related to obtaining and maintaining employment. You will not only see their progress but will document their employment progress. No day is the same and you get to see the difference that you make every day.

In addition to direct mentorship, you will network with employers in the area to increase employment opportunities for Thresholds clients, both before and after the individual is hired. This can look like building relationships with hiring managers, advocacy, negotiating accommodations on behalf of clients, and doing follow-along contact to help a client maintain their employment.

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

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Passion for mental health advocacy
• Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills
• A valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and a car for daily use
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients
• Availability to work in the Lakeview area of Chicago

Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role:

• High school diploma or GED certificate and several years of experience in the workforce
• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree

What sets Thresholds apart: 

• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $22.80 - $25.63 per hour / $47,424.00 - $53,300.00 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 
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering 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.