VP-CST Mental Health Practitioner

Job Description

Job Description

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do.

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Are you looking to have an impact on more than just a company’s bottom line? Then we’d love to hear from you!

We are currently looking to fill a Mental Health Practitioner role at our Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) office.

SALARY: The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $55,000 and $64,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and intakes to determine client needs, strengths, and eligibility for VP-CST services.
• Provide individualized case management, counseling, and advocacy to address behavioral health, safety, and stabilization needs in alignment with the VP-CST model.
• Develop and monitor service plans, collaborating with clients and interdisciplinary teams to establish achievable goals.
• Recommend changes to the authorizing LPHA and VP-CST services including transition to less intensive services consistent with the individual’s IATP.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in compliance with Medicaid, managed care, and agency recordkeeping standards.
• Maintain fidelity to the VP-CST approach, ensuring no more than an 18:1 client-to-staff ratio , and prioritize intensive, relationship-based engagement.
• Deliver community-based and home-based services, including individual, family therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, skill building, and resource navigation as directed by the IATP.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate groups as appropriate to promote psychoeducation, coping strategies, or community building.
• Identify and connect clients to community resources, coordinating care across systems such as housing, medical, employment, and legal supports.
• Advocate for clients within community networks, helping reduce barriers and ensuring culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.
• Participate and lead required trainings, team supervision, and team meetings to uphold program quality and professional development.
• Represent the agency and the VP-CST program in the community, building partnerships and increasing awareness of available services.
• May require additional certifications or training in youth development, restorative justice, or mentoring practices as specified by the program, grant, or funding source.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain consistent community-based behavioral health services under the VP-CST model, often in collaboration with outreach workers and other community partners.
• Skilled in working effectively with diverse individuals and groups impacted by trauma, community violence, and systemic inequities.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles, adult development, and the impact of poverty, violence, and discrimination on mental health.
• Familiarity with community resources (housing, employment supports, substance use treatment, healthcare) and ability to navigate local systems on behalf of clients.
• Awareness of HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, and ethical standards in behavioral health and social services.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and respond effectively in sensitive situations.
• Collaborative mindset, able to work as part of a multidisciplinary VP-CST team (case managers, outreach workers, clinicians, peer specialists) to support holistic care.
• Ability to complete structured assessments and screening tools (such as PHQ-9, GAD-7, or program-specific intake forms) accurately and sensitively.
• Presentation and group facilitation skills, with the ability to deliver psychoeducation workshops or community trainings on behavioral health, coping strategies, and wellness topics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, data entry systems, electronic health records, and professional written and verbal communication.
• Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, as program needs require.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in social work or counseling from an accredited college or university required.
• 2+ years of experience working in community violence prevention, behavioral health, criminal justice, or related community-based settings, required.
• Must become IM+CANS certified within 3 months of hire and maintain re-certification annually preferred.
• Must have applied to take the LSW or LPC examination (or hold an equivalent state credential) preferred.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or another language prevalent in the service community preferred.
• Awareness of Medicaid billing and documentation standards preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and criminal background checks.

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle. Travel between sites required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and viewing a computer terminal.

Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package. Find out more by clicking here !

Some highlights include:

• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, and Vision Coverage.
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

And so much more! Make sure you click here to see the full suite of benefits offered!

MORE ABOUT US:

Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.