idealist.org

THE ORGANIZATION
Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights helps people living in poverty or danger improve their lives and realize their human rights. From a refugee fleeing violence and torture to a public housing resident trying to escape the cycle of poverty, Heartland Alliance helps people in the toughest of circumstances—who often have no place else to go. For more than 100 years, Heartland Alliance has provided hope, opportunity, and solutions—through both services and advocacy. Our work spans across four key areas, creating paths from crisis to stability and on to success: Housing, Health Care, Economic Security, and Legal Protection.

THE POSITION
Staff will work with Community Support Teams to meet the educational, vocational, residential, mental health, co-occuring disorders, financial, social and other support needs of the individual. Staff in this position is expected to provide services to individuals primarily in their natural setting. Candidate for this position is required to have a valid driver’s license.

Mental Health Worker:
•Engages individuals, families and groups in a therapeutic relationship within which mental health and addictions services can be provided;
•Completes a comprehensive psycho-social assessment in collaboration with the treatment team with special emphasis on participants’ current functioning, strengths, and abilities; •Collaborates with the participant to develop an individualized treatment plan, inclusive of the participant’s goals and treatment recommendations which will enhance the participant’s quality of life with regard to mental health and substance abuse issues;
•Maintains a strong therapeutic alliance with participants through assertive case management, advocacy and resource assistance, including but not limited to medical health needs, housing, vocational services, benefits and entitlements;
•Works to teach and enhance skill-building/development with regard to activities of daily living including but not limited to grocery shopping, money management, hygiene, household resources, etc.;
•Provides education and support in relation to mental health and/or substance use issues. •Assesses, identifies and responds to emergency or crisis needs of program participants; •Ensures a therapeutic, safe environment for all participants and staff by utilizing de-escalation techniques and violence prevention skills.
•Provides individual, family, and group counseling and/or facilitation, as assigned.
•Provides medication monitoring and training, as assigned.
•Completes accurately and in a timely manner all necessary forms, case records and statistical reports in accord with program guidelines and contractual obligations. Submits such documentation to the supervisor/manager within the designated time lines.
•Meets productivity standards as determined by program and/or contractual requirements. •Other duties may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS
Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or equivalent and minimum of five years experience in related field, or Bachelors Degree.

A valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Chicago and surrounding areas is required.

To learn more about this position and to apply, please visit:
http://www.heartlandalliance.org/whoweare/careers/search-careers.html

*Please note that we do not consider resumes sent by email, fax or postal mail.