Community Support Specialist - Substance Use Treatment

The Community Support Specialist, Substance Use Treatment provides an array of harm reduction services that meet people where they are in terms of their readiness to make any positive change in their lives. This team serves a population at very high risk of dying from an opioid overdose and being arrested for non-violent drug related charges. The team uses a total team approach model to provide street outreach, including the education and distribution of naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication, practical assistance and advocacy addressing the barriers that can prevent one from securing permanent and affordable housing, quality health care and medical stabilization, medical insurance and Social Security benefits, competitive employment, and connection with recovery-oriented support. As the engagement is solidified, the team provides ongoing community support, including practical assistance giving high-priority goals traction, individual and group substance use counseling, vocational support, crisis intervention, support to family and loved ones, and psycho-social rehabilitation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides naloxone education and distribution to people in communities with high rates of opioid overdose death.
• Provides Harm Reduction substance use practices that engages members at their stage of readiness to address any positive change.
• Provides practical assistance helping people build up a foundation for recovery: access to stable and permanent housing, integrated medical, mental health and substance use care, employment and other activities that provide meaning and structure to day-to-day life, and connection with people who support their forward movement in recovery.
• Develops and reviews members' care plans by identifying goals, objectives, and specific mental health services needed.
• Teaches members independent and community living skills, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, coping skills, etc.
• Provides support to members with collateral social service agencies and the community.
• Documents services provided in an Electronic Health Record in a timely manner.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field required.
• Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor from the Illinois Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA) preferred.
• LSW, LPC, LCSW, or LCPC preferred.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Daily access to a car
• Valid driver's license
• Willingness to provide transportation for members of the program
• Must obtain and maintain liability car insurance of:
• $100,000 per person bodily injury
• $300,000 per accident
• $100,000 property damage

WHAT SETS THRESHOLDS APART

• Competitive pay: $24.25 - $27.16/hour

• Based on education, licensure, and experience.

• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)

• 4 medical insurance plans, dental insurance, vision insurance

• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match

• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)

• Mileage reimbursement

• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50 per month)

• Public service loan forgiveness

• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC, CADC)

• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal

• Free CEUs

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.

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