Community Support Specialist CST 3

Description Are you passionate about harm reduction? You can make a difference in the lives of others at Thresholds We believe in meeting people where theyu2019re at u2013 in their environment and on their journey to recovery, so we provide support where it makes the most impact u2013 in a personu2019s home and community. As a Community Support Specialist with Thresholdsu2019 Substance Use Treatment program, you will help people with substance use disorders through an array of harm reduction services. This team serves a population at high risk of opioid overdose and involvement in the justice system. With your team, you will do outreach at shelters or on the street at community events to distribute and educate clients on naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication. You will also make direct referrals to a wide variety of services, including substance use or mental health treatment. After a client has been engaged in services, you will remove barriers to housing, employment, and mental healthcare through case management. You will help clients solidify their recovery and strengthen daily living skills as you drive them to doctorsu2019 appointments, to benefits offices, or to the grocery store. Each day will be a little bit different, requiring you to adapt to your clientu2019s 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, medication-assisted treatment, and other evidence-based practices. 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 substance use and mental health treatment + To embrace the harm reduction model + Good writing and communication skills + Strong time management, organization, and problem-solving + To be at least 21 years old + A valid driveru2019s license, current car insurance, and daily access to a 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 + Active CRSS credential + Bacheloru2019s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field + Bacheloru2019s degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience + Masteru2019s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field + CADC preferred What sets Thresholds apart: Competitive pay - Base Rate: $24.25 - $25.72 hourly / $50,440 - $54,400 annually + Good Faith Range + Based upon education, experience, and licensure + Clinical Roles u2013 list below + $1000 salary increase for LSW or LPC licensure + $1000 salary increase for CRSS + Generous PTO + Dental insurance, vision insurance,4 medical insurance plans + 403(b) retirement plans 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 licensure and licensure 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 agencyu2019s 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 Chicagou2019s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row. #LI-SJ1 Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights ( notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-04-15