Mental Health Support Specialist Master Level
NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM·Homewood, Illinois
NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM·Homewood, Illinois
Perform mental health evaluations and front-end assessments for potential clients to determine appropriate service venues. Act as the primary clinical contact for referral sources at hospitals and coordinate follow-up services for clients.
Working in alignment with the program supervisor to ensure that DHS expectations and NYAP values around services delivery to vulnerable populations that the Front Door Diversion Program serves are fully responded to by providing excellent front-end assessments and welcoming approach to potential customers of the program. This position provides timely mental health evaluation and assessment data to help determine the correct service venue for the customer. RESPONSIBILITIES Actively supports, represents, and extends the mission, vision, and values of the organization Functions as the primary mental health professional contact person with referral sources at assigned hospitals and other community venues. Delivers prompt and professional clinical services while maintain appropriate level of confidentiality. Screen referrals for mental health services, determine severity and what type of services are needed. Builds name recognition and working relationships with Maximus screeners. Work as a member for the care team to meet the needs of the customer and to support program goals. Builds working relationships with the various hospital social workers. Applies clinical skills to help screen individuals for the program. Utilizing and creating a work base from the point of referral, which will be the hospital or community setting. Builds and fosters a working relationship with hospital staff and hospital social workers. Fostering people skills to be able to connect with clients. Develops comprehensive front-end assessment of potential clients. Completes clinical assessment of potential clients. Utilizes standardized assessment/screening tools effectively in order to help gage client appropriateness for services. Diagnosing mental illness with knowledge of DSM VI. Creates linkage and referrals for follow up services. Provides individual therapy, depression, anger management, medical providers for related medical conditions. Functions effectively as a link between the hospital, the client and the subsequent service providing agency worker. Demonstrates the technical and behavioral competencies necessary in the implementation of standardized assessment tools. Completes all related screening documentation in a timely manner. Completes all required performance tracking, data collection and documentation Perform other duties as assigned by program supervisor. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A licensed social worker (LSW) possessing at least a master's degree in social work and licensed under the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act [225 ILCS 20] with specialized training in mental health services or with at least 2 years of experience in mental health services working with adults. A licensed professional counselor possessing at least a master's degree and licensed under the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing Act [225 ILCS 107] with specialized training in mental health services or with at least two years of experience in mental health services working with adults. A registered nurse (RN) licensed under the Nurse Practice Act [225 ILCS 65] with at least one year of clinical experience in a mental health setting or who possesses a master's degree in psychiatric nursing. An occupational therapist (OT) licensed under the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act [225 ILCS 75] with at least one year of clinical experience in a mental health setting. An individual possessing at least a master's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, or family therapy or related field, who has successfully completed a practicum or internship that included a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised direct service, or who has one year of clinical experience under the supervision of a QMHP. Minimum of 2 years of work experience working in the mental health field in a crisis setting. Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, customer services, and organizational skills. Ability to relate therapeutically with customers, display cultural sensitivity and strong sense of empathy. Knowledge of Medicaid Rules and other funder expectations. Familiarity and knowledge of DSM VI and psychological testing strongly encouraged. Knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis and recognizes signs/symptoms of psychiatric illness and substance related diagnoses. Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, automotive insurance, and a good driving record. Capacity to remain objective and professional in all areas of job function. Ability to organize data, plan, provide written and very feedback, utilize electronic health systems. Demonstrates tolerance and respect for the ideas and actions of others. Capacity to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds. Ability to manage multiple tasks. Driving and Vehicle Requirements Valid driver’s license Reliable personal transportation Good driving record Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,00/$300,000 bodily injury liability If this describes YOU, please apply today! www.nyap.org/employment NYAP also requires all of our employees, regardless of your title/position, to hold and maintain automobile liability insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000. Please contact our HR department with questions, 614-487-3888 or hr@nyap.org. The person in this position needs to follow a team concept and support both agency goals and co-workers. Employees must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds. Benefits listed are for eligible employees as outlined by our benefit policy. Who We AreNational Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency. If YOU can envision it; WE can DO it! The possibilities are endless! We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth and families. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans
Requires a Master's degree in a mental health field (Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, etc.) and appropriate state licensure (LSW, LPC, RN, or OT). Candidates must have at least 2 years of experience in mental health services, specifically in crisis settings with adults.
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.
