A Social or Human Services Specialist identifies and arranges community services for clients. Can involve coordination of services for people with disabilities or those in recovery. They may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis and can be involved in advocating for client needs.
Published 08/07/2026
Location Kankakee, Illinois
Job Type Part-Time
Certification Type CRSS
Company Name Thresholds
Posted By John Prestipino
Address 202 N Schuyler Ave
Kankakee, Illinois 60901 JOB
DESCRIPTION
Use your lived experience with mental health recovery to connect with and support people in crisis! Like a physical health crisis, a mental health crisis can be devastating for individuals, families, and communities. Thresholds' Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) is committed to providing services and supports to best meet the needs of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. As a Peer Engagement Specialist, you will respond to mental health crises in the Kankakee County community, acting as an alternative to or in conjunction with hospitalization or police response. Each shift, you will answer calls to our crisis hotline and conduct a quick yet robust safety assessment to determine what response is needed. You may connect the caller to an appropriate service or provider, or if a face-to-face intervention is necessary, you and a Crisis Worker will meet the caller at home, their workplace, or another location in the community. As a pair, you will assist the person in crisis with the least restrictive intervention possible. This can look like anything from walking someone through a panic attack to assisting them with hospitalization. Your role as the peer professional includes building rapport with the person in crisis, specifically by sharing your personal recovery experiences. Community interventions occur year-round, in all weather conditions. The team may also distribute basic necessities to individuals in crisis, such as first aid items, water, or warm clothes. After responding to the crisis, you will offer a follow-up to the client based on their needs as well as document the services provided. During downtime between calls, you will have the opportunity to focus on professional development through self-directed projects and community outreach efforts. 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. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time and occasionally traverse long distances and ascend/descend multiple flights of stairs. To succeed in this role, you need: Lived and living experience with personal mental health recovery
Passion for mental health advocacy
Effective communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to problem-solve
Good writing skills
Strong time management and organization
To be at least 23 years old
A valid driver's license (having daily access to a vehicle preferred)
Willingness to obtain CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) within 1 year of hire
Availability to pick up 1st (7:00am-3:30pm), 2nd (3:00pm-11:30pm), and 3rd (11:00pm - 7:30am) shifts as needed
Willingness to pick up weekend or holiday shifts. Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role: High school diploma or GED certificate and willingness to obtain CRSS required
High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience preferred
Active CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) credential preferred
Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field preferred
Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience preferred
Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field preferred What sets Thresholds apart: Competitive pay -
Salary Range:
$25.50 - $30.58 per hour
Based on education, experience, and licensure
Paid time off available
403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match Robust employee assistance program (EAP) 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.
