Thresholds·Chicago, Illinois
Facilitates rehabilitation interventions and recovery coaching for individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Provides community-based support, including case management, crisis intervention, and the development of integrated recovery care plans.
The Recovery Coach, Substance Use facilitates rehabilitation interventions and supports necessary to assist individuals with substance use disorders or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders achieve rehabilitative, resilience and recovery goals, primarily in the person’s own environment (60% of services must be provided in the person’s natural setting). The Recovery Coach works collaboratively to provide community-based support, outreach, and recovery coaching, and also assertively outreaches individuals who have fallen out of care.
Essential duties & responsibilities
Engages members in recovery and rehabilitative services through harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and motivational enhancement techniques.
Provides direct service to members through counseling, case management, job support, crisis intervention, and psycho-social rehabilitation services in the community.
Under the direct supervision of a QMHP (LSW/LPC) or LPHA, gathers member information and assesses the need for service, makes recommendations for treatment, identifies and investigates existing natural resources and supports, explains options available to the member and assists in the application process.
Uses information collected in assessment and re-assessment to collaboratively build an integrated recovery care plan that identifies goals, objectives, specific services needed, and identification of staff responsible for ensuring delivery of services.
Identifies risk factors related to the relapse and development of relapse prevention plans and strategies.
Teaches and coaches individuals served on independent and community living skills, such as housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation and personal hygiene, as well as the development of recovery, functional, interpersonal, support system and coping skills.
Provides support to members with collateral sources, including other agencies, Social Security Administration, medical providers, Chicago Housing Authority, etc. Advocates and assists with problem solving/resolution that will help the member access and utilize support from the community or support system.
Uses person-centered and self-directed approaches to recovery, including harm reduction.
Links members to recovery support services, including facilitating the use of community-based mutual aid resources.
Delivers services in accordance with Recovery Coaching best practices.
Provides overdose prevention education and support.
Monitors Self Administration of Medication. This includes all procedures associated with the documentation of medication monitoring of self-administration in keeping with Thresholds standards, as well as procedures to follow in the event that there is any disruption to the medication schedule.
Assures that all Thresholds procedures regarding the handling of member’s funds are followed and that both the members and the Thresholds administration are assured that all safeguards, reports and accounting meets the highest standards.
Meets required billing targets and complete all documentation within assigned time frames meeting agency standards.
Communicates significant information regarding members to other staff workers and supervisors. Provide accurate and timely information to supervisor on all topics and issues related to the operation of the agency and the well-being of members.
Other duties as assigned.
Marginal duties & responsibilities
Participates in the implementation of Thresholds’ emergency plans related to extreme weather or other emergency condition.
May be required to work flexible schedules and be available to work on weekends or evenings as required.
Experience
Lived experience with long-term recovery (2 or more years) from a substance use disorder or co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness is highly desirable.
Experience working with persons diagnosed with behavioral health needs preferred.
Skills/Certifications
LPC, LSW, CADC, NCRS, CRSS or CARS credentials preferred.
Current and valid driver’s license.
Ability to work as an effective team players.
Ability to document services provided in an Electronic Health Record in a timely manner.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Daily access to a personal vehicle is required.
Must obtain and maintain $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 bodily injury and liability insurance. Subject to validation every six months.
May be required to provide transportation for members of the program using a Thresholds provided vehicle or personal vehicle. Must be 23 years of age and must meet all insurance carrier’s requirements. Subject to annual Department of Motor Vehicles license verification.
Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering 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://www.thresholds.org/about] 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.
Requires a high school diploma or GED and must meet Rule 140 credential requirements for a Rehabilitative Services Associate. Lived experience with long-term recovery and a valid driver's license with vehicle access are highly desired or required.
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.
