Thresholds·Kankakee, Illinois
Provide harm reduction services and outreach to individuals with substance use disorders, including naloxone distribution and education. Perform case management to remove barriers to housing, employment, and healthcare while providing transportation to essential appointments.
Are you passionate about harm reduction? You can make a difference in the lives of others at Thresholds! We believe in meeting people where they’re at – in their environment and on their journey to recovery, so we provide support where it makes the most impact – in a person’s home and community. As a Community Support Specialist with Thresholds’ Substance Use Treatment program, you will help people with substance use disorders through an array of harm reduction services.
This team serves a population at high risk of opioid overdose and involvement in the justice system.
With your team, you will do outreach at shelters or on the street at community events to distribute and educate clients on naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication.
You will also make direct referrals to a wide variety of services, including substance use or mental health treatment.
After a client has been engaged in services, you will remove barriers to housing, employment, and mental healthcare through case management.
You will help clients solidify their recovery and strengthen daily living skills as you drive them to doctors’ appointments, to benefits offices, or to the grocery store.
Each day will be a little bit different, requiring you to adapt to your client’s schedule, needs, and treatment plan.
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, medication-assisted treatment, 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 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.
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.
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Requires a valid driver's license, car access, and a passion for mental health and substance use treatment. Eligible candidates must have a high school diploma with 5 years experience, a Bachelor's or Master's degree, or a CRSS credential.
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.
