Thresholds·Oak Park, Illinois
Provide one-on-one and group support to clients with mental health challenges in a residential setting. Assist clients in developing independent living skills, including meal preparation, housekeeping, and coping strategies.
Do you enjoy getting to know someone and coaching them towards achieving their goals related to work, relationships, and independent living? You could make a difference in someone’s life every day as a Residential Support Specialist.
Residential Support Specialists work one-on-one and in groups with clients experiencing mental health challenges. Within the residential setting you will assist the clients as they learn and practice the skills for independent living. During an average day, you may help residents prepare meals, practice housekeeping skills, and work on interpersonal and coping skills. Not only do you help clients develop key independent living skills, you will see their progress and document their experiences, success with medication management, and recovery process.
The culture at Thresholds is collaborative and supportive, providing you with the tools and resources you need for the best client care. Opportunities for training and professional development, including clinical supervision, will deepen your knowledge and expand your clinical skills in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices. This invaluable experience will set you up for a variety of career paths and growth opportunities within our organization.
Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We foster an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission. Click here to learn more. [https://recruiting.ultipro.com/THR1001THRSH/ht]
One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.
Candidates must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma and 5 years of clinical experience, or a bachelor's degree in a related field. A bachelor's degree in an unrelated field requires 2 years of supervised clinical experience.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.