Clinical Support Specialist

Type: Full-Time   

Reports to: Clinical Support Manager 

Office Location:  224 W Hill St Suite 410, Chicago, IL; required in-office 3 days per week (hybrid work policy subject to change). 

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 08:30 AM – 4:30 PM 

Background:

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey. NAMI Chicago seeks to fill gaps in Chicago's mental health system, with an intentional emphasis on serving underrepresented populations and breaking down barriers to care. NAMI Chicago believes in and legitimizes the power of lived experience, recognizing it as equally essential to recovery and wellness as any other modality. 

Who We Are Looking For:

• We’re seeking a compassionate, organized, and collaborative professional who is deeply committed to serving individuals and families of individuals living with serious mental illness. You should bring a trauma-informed lens, an understanding of community mental health systems, and a passion for supporting people in crisis. 

Responsibilities:  

• Collaborate with external agencies, including the Chicago Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team, to receive referrals for individuals and families in need of ongoing case navigation support and education about the mental health system.  
• Provide telephonic support, education, information, and referrals to individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• Provide advocacy support within healthcare settings and in legal and involuntary treatment systems. 
• Deliver direct emotional support, including crisis de-escalation, safety planning, and risk assessment. Partner with healthcare and community providers across Chicagoland to coordinate care and connect individuals to appropriate services. 
• Provide ongoing case management support to individuals navigating the civil court system under Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) orders.
• Participate in case reviews, staff meetings, and training as part of NAMI Chicago’s collaborative team model. 
• Maintain accurate documentation, intake notes, and resource updates using NAMI Chicago’s database. 
• Perform other programmatic duties as assigned by the Clinical Support Manager and the leadership team. 

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Ability to serve diverse populations, including social and racial/ethnic minorities as well as those living with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to effectively engage individuals or families in crisis, and coordinate with service providers.
• Cultural humility and empathy regarding human service issues with a non-judgmental attitude towards those requiring assistance.
• Eagerness to expand knowledge of mental health systems and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to foster open communication and work collaboratively within a team environment. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• Knowledge of the first responder community and systems
• At least two years of experience working with individuals living with mental illness in a community mental health agency, hospital, or other setting. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Available Benefits:  
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits.  
• Company sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance and Long-Term Disability. 
• 401k Retirement plan. 
• Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Short Term Disability Coverage. 
• Building access to amenities including gym, sauna, and outdoor pool. 
• Generous PTO including 14 paid holidays (includes 2 “Self-Care Holidays” scheduled annually), Wellness Days, and Personal time. 
• Company sponsored wellness activities. 
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from any community case management needs. 

Annual Pay: $49,000 - $52,000