Linkage Specialist (Rogers Park)

$45,000 - 51,000 /Yr.

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

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. 

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  

See job description