CTA-Peer Support Specialist Lead

MISSION/VISION Healthcare Alternative Systems (H.A.S.) provides a continuum of multicultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) behavioral care and social services that empower individuals, families, and communities. H.A.S. seeks to implement sustainable programs that benefit society by improving the well-being and recovery efforts of those individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health problems. With eleven locations across the Chicagoland area, H.A.S. provides services and resources to individuals at every stage in their behavioral/recovery journey so that they can be successful and become contributing members of their communities.

JOB SUMMARY Under the supervision of the CTA Crisis Peer Support Lead, the mental health clinician will provide assessments and recommendations for treatment – as well as other supportive Mental Health services – to those suffering with Mental Health disorders. The mental health counselor will partner with peer support staff to appropriately engage in crisis response in and around the CTA Blue Line Station Logan Square – Jefferson Park locations to those who are living with serious mental health illness and/or substance use disorder.

The mental health clinician will provide crisis response services, referrals and other resources as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES Completes preliminary risk assessments, Illinois Medicaid Crisis Assessment Toolkit (IM-CAT) for individuals in crisis on the assigned CTA route.

Conducts crisis intervention sessions on the CTA platform or designated space with the goal of transporting them to our crisis Living Room for further support.

Provides treatment recommendations for all clients.

Refers individuals in crisis to appropriate referral resources, as needed

Assists in determining a need for an involuntary petition, additional psychiatric assessments, or other emergency services.

Maintains clinical case files on all assigned clients, which will be subject to regular internal quality assurance audits.

Completes follow-up calls that involved imminent harm or threatened harm.

Works as part of a team to further develop program initiatives and to increase referral networks.

Participates in regular outreach activities, including canvassing the community, tabling at community events, and collaborating with other HAS outreach teams.

Attends and participates in Group Supervision meetings.

Participates in agency-sponsored training, agency meetings, community outreach events, health fairs, fundraising events, etc., as directed by the Program Coordinator/Program Administrator.

Performs all other duties as assigned by the Program Team Leader, Director, or Executive Team.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES Fluency in both English and Spanish, preferred.

Familiarity with DMH Rule 132 and its general provisions & requirements pertaining to the delivery & documentation of Community Mental Health services.

Possess above average written and verbal communication skills.

Possess the ability to work independently while supporting the larger team.

Must be highly self-motivated, disciplined, organized, and require minimal oversight.

Must be comfortable using Microsoft Word, Outlook (email and calendars), and should have some familiarity working with Electronic Health/Medical Records systems.

Possess some flexibility to accommodate client and programmatic needs.

Possess experience working with individuals experiencing mental health crisis.

Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods at a time.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or another related field from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval, required.

Clinical licensure (LPC, LCPC, LSW LCSW, LMFT), or license eligible, preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing…