Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) has an immediate opening for 1 full-time Counselor/Case Manager in the Journeys and Full Circle Programs on the northwest side of Chicago. Journeys is a part of the Mental Health Outpatient program offered at Portage-Cragin Counseling Center. Journeys provides therapeutic skill-building and community support services to adults with a mental health diagnosis, using group and individual modalities. As a Counselor/ Case Manager, you will work with individuals with severe & persistent mental illness, providing client-focused, wellness & recovery-based services, onsite & in community settings. In this position, you will also have the opportunity to provide supportive services to tenants living in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) that is managed by Full Circle Communities located in Jefferson Park. The PSH site is a 75 unit mixed-income apartment community for veterans, persons with disabilities, seniors, and families. As a Counselor/ Case Manager, you will provide community support, case management and therapeutic services to interested tenants in their natural environment to support their successful tenancy. The continuum of services is geared towards helping tenants accomplish their personal recovery goals through learning and developing necessary skills for coping, independent living, and increased social & community participation. This position is split between the two office locations, currently working in a hybrid schedule providing both in-person and telehealth sessions.

Benefits and Perks:
LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Salary $22.60-$23.56/Hourly.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

• Conduct intake assessments utilizing the IM+CANS to evaluate need for mental health services/ resources and plan appropriate treatment as per identified needs.
• Maintain a caseload of Journeys members and Full Circle tenants as assigned. Conduct necessary outreach and follow up to assist clients in reaching their treatment goals.
• Provide client focused, collaborative, and empowering services for clients onsite and in the community.
• Plan and facilitate skill-building activities and community support groups to promote independent living and coping skills.
• Provide individual therapy as needed to support mental health needs, achieve housing stability and increased community participation.
• Provide case management services to clients to meet identified needs, initiate necessary referrals and assist with linkages in the community to maintain benefits and access resources.
• Coordinate with Full Circle Property Management to assist with successful tenancy. Participate in eviction alternative plan process (EAP) to stave off eviction.
• Organize social/ recreational activities to promote positive connections to the greater community.
• Collaborate with other staff/ Departments, collateral providers, and family members regarding client care, with a wellness and recovery focus.
• Maintain familiarity with accreditation and licensure standards and adhere to ethical standards of treatment.
• Document all services according to MRO/ agency requirements in a timely manner, to ensure compliance.
• Learn & utilize the EHR (Electronic Health Record) as an essential tool to complete clinical documentation, & other job functions/ requirements.
• Meet financial productivity standards as set by agency (i.e. individual weekly Targeted Revenue).

• Master's degree in social services (Social work, Counseling) or a related mental health field, required.
• Experience working with adults with chronic mental illness, required.
• Experience working with adults and families with diverse needs, including persons with disabilities.
• Must either have and/or obtain IM+CANS Certification.
• Ability to work in-person onsite, as well as the capability to work remotely providing virtual/ telehealth sessions.

• Excellent communication skills, organization, presentation skills, with an ability to collaborate and be a team player.
• Spanish language fluency, a plus (not required).
• PC/Computer skills (including proficiency with Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Ability to learn and use Electronic Health Record system.