Qualified Mental Health Specialist

Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS)

Qualified Mental Health Specialists (QMHS) are Master's-level mental health professionals who provide structured, one-on-one strength-based support to male clients at the ages of 5 and up. The Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) role focuses on supporting individuals involved in the probation system by addressing mental health needs, promoting stability, supporting compliance with court-ordered conditions, and reducing recidivism through trauma-informed, community-based care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one and group-based behavioral health services.
• Deliver skill-building, role-playing, social communication, and problem-solving interventions.
• Support clients in real-life community settings including schools, homes, probation and reentry programs.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders such as school deans, case managers, and probation officers.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and follow clinical service plans.
• Submit timely progress notes and discharge summaries.
• Maintain a maximum caseload of 25 clients.
• Attend supervision and team meetings regularly.
• Teaching of alternative strategies, role-playing, behavioral rehearsal, skill acquisition in the community, practicing skills in the community, exposure to social situations in which age-appropriate skills can be practiced, enhancing conflict resolution skills, developing communication skills
• Complete monthly professional and personal development training assigned by the GRO training department.
• Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor, senior director, or other leadership based on the needs of business or departmental needs.

Competencies:

Probation & Justice-Involved Expertise:

• Strong understanding of probation systems, court-mandated treatment, and the needs of justice-involved individuals.

Leadership & Supervision:

• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing clinical staff in behavioral health or justice-involved settings.

Clinical Excellence:

• Proficiency in assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

System Navigation:

• Ability to collaborate with probation officers, courts, and community resources including housing, employment, and social services.

Cultural Responsiveness:

• Commitment to culturally informed care, particularly for justice-impacted communities of color.

Crisis Management:

• Skilled in de-escalation, safety planning, and managing high-risk or court-involved client situations.

Work Setting:

• Field-based and site-based locations throughout Chicagoland
• Flexible scheduling; ability to build your own caseload
• Invoicing-based pay structure/Fee-for-Service

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Psychology, or related field
• No prior experience required; GRO Community provides training
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills
• Reliable transportation and active auto insurance required

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment committed to social impact.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.