Mental Health Specialist

Join #TeamHillcrest today as our Mental Health Specialist, a new position for 2026! POSITION OVERVIEW Hillcrest Transitional Housing is seeking a passionate and qualified Mental Health Specialist to join our team and contribute to the success of our transitional housing programs. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in providing mental health support to our homeless clients, promoting overall well-being, and facilitating their successful transition to self-sufficiency. The Mental Health Specialist is a member of the Hillcrest Programs Team, reporting directly to the Chief Programs Officer. CORE POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments for clients receiving services from Hillcrest. Provide individual and group counseling sessions to address trauma, mental health issues, and substance abuse concerns. Treatment Planning and Implementation: Develop personalized treatment plans in collaboration with clients, considering their unique needs and goals. Implement evidence-based interventions and therapeutic techniques to support clients in achieving mental health and stability milestones. Crisis Intervention and Support: Offer immediate crisis intervention and support for clients experiencing mental health crises. Collaborate with external mental health resources and emergency services as needed. Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team: Work collaboratively with case managers, social workers, and other team members to ensure holistic care for clients. Participate in case conferences and contribute to the development and execution of integrated care plans. Community Outreach and Education: Conduct mental health awareness workshops for clients and staff within the transitional housing program. Collaborate with community partners to enhance access to mental health resources and support services. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS The position will be based in our Kansas City, Kansas office location. The position will require frequent, daily travel in the Kansas City Metro area. Candidate will be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license, reliable personal transportation, and adequate personal vehicle insurance. Candidate offers will be contingent on a successful background, reference, and motor vehicle checks. Candidate shall possess a master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field. Candidate shall have current state of Kansas licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or equivalent. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS Windows Computers – Familiar and comfortable using Windows based computers. Microsoft Suite of Products – Demonstrated ability to utilize software and web-based applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Health Record Systems – Experience working in web-based electronical systems containing health records. Trauma Informed Care – Knowledge of trauma-informed care principals and evidence-based therapeutic modalities. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS Empathy and Compassion: Ability to empathize with the unique challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. Compassion for the struggles and traumas that clients may have encountered, and a non-judgmental attitude. Cultural Competence: Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of homeless individuals. Ability to adapt counseling approaches to be inclusive and respectful of different cultural perspectives. Flexibility and Adaptability: Readiness to adapt counseling strategies to the dynamic and ever-changing needs of clients in a transitional housing environment. Flexibility in responding to unexpected challenges or crises that may arise. Resilience and Self-Care: Capacity to manage the emotional toll of working with individuals facing homelessness and the associated mental health issues. Awareness of the importance of self-care practices to maintain personal well-being. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey therapeutic concepts and support clients in expressing themselves. Ability to communicate complex mental health concepts in a clear and understandable manner. Collaboration and Teamwork: Willingness to collaborate with other professionals, case managers, and support staff within the transitional housing program. Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care. Patience and Understanding: Patience in building trust with clients who may have experienced trauma and may be hesitant to engage in counseling. Understanding of the time and process involved in helping clients navigate their mental health journey. Advocacy and Commitment to Social Justice: Advocacy for the rights and well-being of homeless individuals, and a commitment to social justice. Willingness to address systemic issues contributing to homelessness and work towards positive change. Crisis Intervention Skills: Ability to remain calm under pressure and provide effective crisis intervention when necessary. Skills in de-escalation and managing urgent mental health situations. Motivational and Inspirational Approach: Inspiring and motivating clients to set and achieve realistic goals, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment. Positive attitude and belief in the potential for positive change. POSITION SALARY & BENEFITS This is a new, full-time exempt position at Hillcrest. The salary range for the position is $60,000-$70,000 based on individual skills and qualifications. Paid training and onboarding. Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance available on the first day of month following hire. Hillcrest offers a defined medical contribution of $400 per month. Retirement savings plan (403b) with 3% company match after one year of continuous employment. Match increases to 6% company match after five years of continuous employment. PTO is allotted each year based on years of service. Paid parental leave after one year of continuous employment for up-to six weeks for birth, adoption, or placement of a child. 12 paid holidays and 1 Floating Holiday annually. Established Employee Assistance Program and self-funded Employee Assistance Fund. Discount of 25% at our Lenexa and Lee’s Summit Thrift stores. Annual professional development opportunities. Advancement opportunities within the organization. Positive and collaborative work environment. ORGANIZATION CULTURE – Meet #TeamHillcrest Diversity – Hillcrest thrives because of a talented and diverse staff of more than 60 individuals working to end homelessness every day. Passion – #TeamHillcrest members are passionate about ending homelessness one family at a time. Inclusion – Hillcrest is proud to serve, appreciate, and welcome all families, singles, and youth experiencing homelessness in our community. Advocacy – #TeamHillcrest advocates daily for our organization, our youths, and those in need of our services. Trustworthy – We hold ourselves to the highest legal, moral, and ethical standards. Fiscal Responsibility – We ensure that we are responsible with the resources graciously donated by our community to support our work. Life Changers – Hillcrest staff are comfortable making important, life changing decisions daily. CONTACT INFORMATION For inquiries about the position, please contact Andrea Newton, Director of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Hillcrest Ministries of MidAmerica, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those who have experienced homelessness #J-18808-Ljbffr