Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) has an immediate opening for 1 full-time Counselor/Case Manager in the Journeys Mental Health and Full Circle Program on the northwest side of Chicago. This position is split between the 2 programs, currently working in a hybrid work schedule. This will require the candidate to work in-person at 2 office locations, as well as, have the capability to work remotely providing virtual/ phone sessions.

Journeys is an Outpatient program offered at Portage-Cragin Counseling Center, that provides therapeutic skill-building and community support services to individuals with mental illness, using group and individual modalities. As a Counselor/ Case Manager, you will work with adults with severe & persistent mental illness, providing client-focused, wellness & recovery based services, onsite & in community settings.

Full Circle Communities offers a 75 unit mixed-income apartment community for veterans, persons with a disability, seniors and families in Jefferson Park. As a Counselor Case Manager, you will provide services to Full Circle tenants in their natural environment to support their successful tenancy.

The continuum of services are geared towards helping members accomplish their personal recovery goals, through learning and developing necessary skills for coping, independent living, and increased social & community participation.

*This position complies with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule, which requires that employees working in certain programs are fully vaccinated unless you have a medical or religious exemption. Routine COVID-19 Testing is required from the COVID-19 vaccination*

Benefits and Perks:
LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience and licensure.
• Salary $42,000-$47,000/Yearly.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Essential Functions:

• Conduct intake assessments utilizing the IM+CANS to evaluate need for mental health services/ resources, and plan appropriate treatment as per identified needs.
• Provide client focused, collaborative, and empowering services for clients onsite, and in the community.
• Plan and facilitate skill building activities/ community support groups to promote independent living.
• Provide individual/ family therapy as needed to support mental health needs, achieve housing stability and increased community participation.
• Provide case management services to clients to meet identified needs. Initiate necessary referrals and assist with linkages in the community. Assist with applying for and maintaining benefits.
• Coordinate with Full Circle Property Management to assist with successful tenancy. Participate in eviction alternative plan process (EAP) to stave off eviction.
• Organize social/ recreational activities to promote positive connections to the greater community.
• Maintain a caseload of Journeys members and Full Circle tenants as assigned. Conduct necessary outreach and follow up to assist clients in reaching their treatment goals.
• Collaborate with other staff/ Departments, collateral providers, and family members regarding client care, with a wellness and recovery focus.
• Maintain familiarity with accreditation and licensure standards. Adhere to ethical standards of treatment.
• Document all services according to MRO/ agency requirements in a timely manner, to ensure compliance. Learn & utilize the EHR (Electronic Health Record) as an essential tool to complete clinical documentation, & other job functions/ requirements.
• Meet financial productivity standards as set by agency (i.e. individual weekly Targeted Revenue).
• Perform other related tasks as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social services (Social work, Counseling) or a related mental health field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• LCSW/ LCPC, preferred (not required).
• Must either have, obtain and maintain IM+CANS Certification.
• Experience working with adult CMI population.
• Experience working with adults, children and families with diverse needs, including persons with disabilities.
• Spanish language fluency, a plus (not required).
• Ability to work in-person onsite, as well as, the capability to work remotely, providing virtual/ phone sessions.
• Excellent communication skills, organization, presentation skills, with an ability to collaborate and be a team player.
• PC/Computer skills (including proficiency with Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Ability to learn and use Electronic Health Record system.
• May need to drive between office locations. Must have a valid IL State Driver’s License, in good standing.
• Access to a reliable, insured vehicle. Proof of valid vehicle insurance required.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.

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