Crisis Counselor

Position Title: Family Preservation Counselor

Department: CCBYS/Crisis

Location: Chicago, IL (Melrose Park)

Address: 4419 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, IL

Schedule: Rotating schedule/shifts; typically, 2-3 on-call shifts per week based on staffing needs. Some remote capability is possible after the probationary period.

Salary: $45,000 - $48,000 (Depending on qualifications)

Looking for individuals who have a passion for working with adolescents with mental health/behavioral difficulties. The CCBYS (Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services) program is a statewide grant focused on preserving youth within their families and avoiding involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice system. We serve various communities throughout Chicago and the northwest/western suburbs. The Family Preservation Counselor works to stabilize the youth’s behaviors that may have caused disruption in their home and seeks to reunify the youth with their caregivers whenever possible.

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Family Preservation Counselor works with police departments to provide crisis intervention/stabilization services to youth ages 11-17 who are runaways or have been displaced from their homes due to behavior issues. Services include home-based counseling to individuals and families, advocacy, community referrals, and stabilization services. Intensive home-based services are provided for up to 90 days for the youth and their family.

• Excellent opportunity for individuals new to the social service field looking to gain experience in adolescent mental health.
• Chance to gain skills such as crisis management, critical thinking, and problem-solving that will enhance career development.
• Weekly team meetings to address case issues and self-care/preventing burnout.
• Chance to work with youth to reduce incidents of family disruption and child welfare involvement.
• Quarterly team-building activities within the agency.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or similar required.
• Driver’s license and daily access to own vehicle required.
• Willingness to respond to client situations in person.
• Some experience providing direct services to adolescents (counseling, case management, residential, psychiatric hospital, etc.) preferred.
• Spanish language ability preferred.

• Health, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short/Long-Term Disability options
• 403(b) Retirement
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Mileage Reimbursement (exclusive to position)
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Youth Outreach Services is a drug-free workplace, and compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and continued employment.

Youth Outreach Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.