Community Support Specialist - Emerging Adults
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 6, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 29, 2026. Thresholds scores B on the Alion truth index.
Do you enjoy getting to know someone and coaching them towards achieving their goals related to work, relationships, and independent living? Community Support Specialists (CSS) with our Mindstrong/Emerging Adults Program provide mental health support to young adults experiencing serious mental health challenges where it makes the most impact - in their community.
Working as a Community Support Specialist is a unique learning opportunity. Through care planning, you will be an integral part of a client’s growth and recovery. You will remove barriers to mental healthcare through case management: connecting our clients with resources and helping them navigate complex systems. You will help young adults strengthen daily living skills as you drive them to doctors’ appointments, to benefits offices, or to the grocery store. You will also assist with facilitating activities and programs that will contribute to young adults’ overall development. Each day will be a little bit different, requiring you to adapt to your client’s schedule, needs, and treatment plan.
The culture at Thresholds is collaborative and supportive, providing you with the tools and resources you need for the best client care. Opportunities for training and professional development, including clinical supervision, will deepen your knowledge and expand your clinical skills in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices, such as the Transition to Independence (TIP) Model. This invaluable experience will set you up for a variety of career paths and growth opportunities within our organization.
To succeed in this role, you need:
- Passion for mental health advocacy with the youth and young adult population
- Patience and willingness to meet young people where they’re at
- 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: $24.85 - 28.27 per hour / $51,688 - 58,800 annually
- Commensurate with education and experience
- Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
- Dental insurance, vision insurance, choice of 4 medical insurance plans
- 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
- Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
- Mileage reimbursement
- Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
- Public service loan forgiveness
- 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.
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