Mental Health Professional

Overview

Job Title: Mental Health Professionals (MHP)

Reports to: Associate Director Behavioral Health, Adult Services

Program Area: Adult Services Network (ASN)

FLSA Code: Full time, Exempt

Hours: 40-hour workweek; occasional weekends and evening hours as needed

Location: Womens Center, 3330 W. Carol Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
Mens Center, 402 N. St. Louis Ave., Chicago, IL 60624

Position Summary

The Mental Health Professional (MHP) is a member of the Behavioral Health team. The MHP provides trauma-informed, person-centered services to individuals experiencing homelessness, with an emphasis on mental health engagement, housing stabilization, and connection to the Coordinated Entry System (CES). In this role, the MHP collaborates closely with participants to reduce barriers to housing, strengthen engagement in services, and support progress toward stable housing and overall wellness.

• Provide direct, relationship-based engagement and support to individuals experiencing homelessness, many of whom may have complex mental health, behavioral health, and housing-related needs.
• Conduct initial and ongoing mental health screenings, needs assessments, and strengths-based evaluations to inform individualized service planning.
• Support participants in accessing and navigating housing resources, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing.
• Complete or support completion of Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessments, ensuring accurate and timely data entry and follow-up.
• Assist participants with obtaining vital documentation (e.g., state , birth certificate, Social Security card) necessary for housing, benefits, and employment.
• Provide short-term supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and de-escalation using trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches.
• Coordinate care by making referrals and warm handoffs to mental health providers, substance use treatment programs, healthcare services, and other community-based resources.
• Advocate on behalf of participants to reduce barriers to housing, healthcare, and benefits access.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in required data systems, including HMIS and internal case management platforms.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including housing staff, peer support specialists, CRSS staff, CHW staff, interns and community partners.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, trainings, and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Performs other job duties as assigned

• Trauma-informed and strengths-based practice
• Housing First and client self-determination principles
• Engagement of individuals with severe and persistent mental health challenges
• Care coordination and systems navigation
• Cultural humility and equity-centered service delivery

• Independently follows agency policy and procedures
• Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
• Identifies and resolves difficult issues
• Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming
• Promote customer care through all actions and behaviors
• Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served
• Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations
• A passion for the mission of Breakthrough

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, human services, or a related field required (BSW preferred) OR Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or housing instability strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of CES, HMIS, and housing systems is preferred or willingness to be trained.
• Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to engage individuals with varying levels of readiness and maintain consistent follow-up.
• Must maintain a valid drivers license along with daily access to a vehicle and acceptable driving record.

• Understanding of gender-responsive, trauma informed and healing centered behavioral health practices
• Understanding of…