Homeless Outreach Worker - CTA Blue Line

Job Description

Job Description

The Thresholds Homeless Outreach Program (HOP) was established in 1989 to provide assertive outreach, linkage to primary and psychiatric care, and resource referral to people experiencing homelessness along with serious mental illnesses. We are Chicago’s only citywide mental health homeless outreach program, and our primary goal is simple: to get people living with mental illnesses into stable housing and help them recover and regain their lives. We believe it is not enough to simply be available to the people who need our services – we need to bring our services to them.

As a Homeless Outreach Worker, you will work in pairs to meet clients on the streets, in shelters, on the CTA, and at any other location where people who are homeless may be found. You will build relationships with potential and current clients to determine what needs can be met by Thresholds services or linkage to other providers. You will develop a service plan in partnership with the client with goals related to housing, benefits, treatment, advocacy, and other identified needs. In addition to working on long-term goals, you will also address immediate needs: food, water, harm reduction kits, hygiene items, and warming/cooling supplies.

Homeless Outreach Workers are out in the community in all weather and conditions, which takes commitment and grit. Thresholds will have your back through a collaborative and supportive culture that provides you with the tools and resources you need for the best client care. Opportunities for training and professional development, including clinical supervision, will deepen your knowledge and expand your clinical skills in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices. This invaluable experience will set you up for a variety of career paths and growth opportunities within our organization.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Passion for housing advocacy
• Willingness to be in the community in all conditions
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Good writing skills
• Strong time management, organization, and flexibility
• To be at least 23 years old
• A valid driver’s license
• Willingness to provide transportation to clients
• Willingness to work Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role:

• High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field

What sets Thresholds apart: 

• Competitive pay - $24.60 - $28.27 hourly / $51,168 - $58,800 annually
  • Based on education and experience
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
• 4 medical insurance plans, dental insurance, & vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match 
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement 
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Public service loan forgiveness 
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (CRSS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC) 
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency's mission. Click here to learn more.

One of the oldest and largest mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to work for, several years in a row.