MPI Community Behavioral Health Specialist

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do.

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois’ first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 136,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.

We are currently searching for a full-time Community Behavioral Health Specialist to join our Metropolitan Peace Initiative Team!

Schedule & Role Requirements: This is an overnight position with two shifts: 11:00 AM–7:30 PM and 7:30 PM–3:30AM. This role requires riding trains and providing services on train platforms and at transit stations. No alternative shifts are available, and you must have open availability for both shifts. On-call responsibilities are also required, including availability for one designated week per month. Specific on-call expectations will be discussed during the official hiring process.

MFS is spear-heading the Communities Partnering 4 Peace, a framework designed to provide comprehensive, long-term approach to reduce violence and gang activity. This framework will bring together community-driven strategies that will empower community-based organizations to intervene with those individuals at the highest risk of driving the violence while working with the overall resident population to transform perceptions and realities of their community.

SALARY:

• The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $75,000 - $80,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level. Higher salary ranges are available for candidates who hold a LCSW or LCPC

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Identify, deescalate, and mediate tense situations related to mental health concerns; build trust with diverse individuals and groups; and provide follow up support after a crisis to promote stabilization and healing.
• This is an overnight position; there are 2 shifts: 11:00 AM–7:30 PM and 7:30 PM–3:30AM.. This role requires riding trains and providing services on train platforms and at transit stations. No alternative shifts are available. You must have open availability for both shifts.
• On-call responsibilities are also required, including availability for one designated week per month. Specific on-call expectations will be discussed during the official hiring process.

• Provide brief crisis interventions, on-scene stabilization, de-escalation, and post-crisis support to individuals experiencing behavioral health concerns within designated community and transit settings.

• Conduct assessments and intakes as needed, identify service needs, and connect individuals and families to appropriate behavioral health and community resources.

• Provide services within the designated pilot zone across Red, Orange, and Green Line transit stops.

• Collaborate with CPRU team members, community organizations, hospitals, public safety agencies, and other stakeholders to support crisis response, referrals, and continuity of care.

• Provide clinical guidance, case consultation, training, facilitation, and curriculum development to strengthen trauma-informed practices and team effectiveness.

• Support MPA and participate in community engagement activities, including Light in the Night events, coalition meetings, and other program initiatives.

• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of interventions, assessments, referrals, and incidents in accordance with agency, confidentiality, and contractual requirements.

• Participate in the on-call rotation to support after-hours crisis response. After-hours calls received through the 24-hour crisis line are routed to the Intake and Administrative Coordinator or the on-call clinician, as appropriate.

• Identify community needs and resource gaps, develop referral networks, and contribute to the ongoing development of trauma-informed services and programming.

• Attend team meetings, case consultations, supervision, and other required meetings; collaborate effectively with diverse staff and community members.

• Travel between designated pilot zone locations and other assigned program sites as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university, required.
• Must be available to work the fixed overnight schedule of 11:00 AM–7:30 PM and 7:30 PM–3:30AM and be comfortable riding trains and working on train platforms and at transit stations as required by the position.
• On-call responsibilities are also required, including availability for one designated week per month. Specific on-call expectations will be discussed during the official hiring process.
• Two years related post-Masters experience at an intermediate skill level, required.
• Must be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or related license, preferred.
• Requires mobility to work with a community-based caseload.
• Ability to maintain assigned community and home-based services.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to travel throughout the designated pilot zone and adhere to assigned shift schedules. Responsibilities require regularly navigating train and bus platforms, walking up and down stairs, and sitting or standing for extended periods. Must be able to perform duties in varied community and transit environments.

Metropolitan Family Services offers a very generous benefits packet to our professionals:

• HMO, Traditional PPO, or PPO w/ health savings contributions.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options
• 12 paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Flexible Spending
• Opportunities for Student Loan Forgiveness
• 401K Plan
• Training and Professional Development Plan
• E- Learning
• Wellness Initiative Program
• Employee Assistance Network