Linkage Specialist

Pay Range: $22.89 - 26.32 /Hr

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Office Location: 1400 W Greenleaf Ave Chicago IL 60626

The Linkage Specialist is responsible for providing case management supports to clients from point of intake.  The Linkage Specialist provides as needed assessment, planning, and short-term, solution-focused case management to adults with mental illness who have immediate case management needs.  The Linkage Specialist will provide client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed services to clients with severe mental illnesses and co-occurring substance abuse/addiction disorders utilizing a harm reduction approach. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Assess client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation through home, community, and office visits.  Provide intake and assessments as needed. 


• Recognize and act on opportunities to move clients to appropriate levels of care. 


• Provide care coordination that supports an integrated health model and make referrals to additional services as indicated.


• Assist clients in identifying signs and symptoms of de-compensation.  Work collaboratively with clients to identify coping skills to assist in managing symptoms and stressors experienced. 


• Assist clients in learning and improving independent living skills; i.e. personal hygiene, housekeeping skills, nutrition, and shopping for food and personal items 


• Educate and assist clients with applying for entitlements; i.e. Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and LINK 


• Accompany clients to important appointments in the community and provide support with issues related to housing, substance use, budgeting, social support, and medication. 


• Advocate on client’s behalf and empower clients to advocate on behalf of themselves when appropriate 


• Provide on-call coverage and immediate crisis intervention as needed  


• Communicate effectively with the team for purposes of consultation and information sharing 


• Complete all documentation in a timely and thorough manner 


• Perform other related duties and/or projects as assigned 
  
  

Qualifications 

• Bachelors’ Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling required 


• Minimum one year of experience working with people with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses 


• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred 


• IM+CANS certification preferred 


• Valid Illinois driver’s license with daily access to a well-maintained vehicle with $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance  

Benefits: 

• FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees


• PAID Maternity/Paternity leave


• Medical Insurance (BCBS of IL)


• Dental Insurance


• Vision Insurance


• Life Insurance


• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability


• Pet Insurance


• FSA (Health, Dependent Care, Transit)


• Telemedicine


• EAP


• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match