Counselor Case Manager, Sterling Outpatient

About the role

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and remains a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing its commitment to making a difference. LSSI is hiring a full-time Counselor Case Manager, Monday through Friday, responsible for providing whole-person services to clients participating in Sterling Outpatient programs, including 1:1 sessions, case management assistance, and IM+CANS assessments. The role also involves assisting clients in achieving their stated goals and objectives and collaborating with internal and external treatment professionals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake assessments utilizing the IM+CANS to evaluate need for mental health services, resources, and plan appropriate treatments per identified needs.
• Provide client‑focused, collaborative, and empowering services for clients onsite and in the community.
• Plan and facilitate skill‑building activities and community support groups to promote independent living.
• Provide individual and family therapy as needed to support mental health needs, achieve housing stability, and increase community participation.
• Provide case management services to meet identified needs, initiate referrals and assist with linkages in the community, and assist with applying for and maintaining public aid benefits.
• Collaborate with Sterling Outpatient team members, other LSSI programs, and external partners to provide quality, whole‑person care and services.
• Maintain a caseload of adequate size necessary to meet identified productivity requirements.
• Present groups founded in evidence‑based practices.
• Provide weekly 1:1 counseling to each client on assigned caseload.
• Provide support coverage to other Sterling Outpatient clients/sites as needed.
• Complete all required EHR documentation in a timely manner and in compliance with Medicaid, funder, and/or payer requirements.
• Meet productivity requirements identified by LSSI.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards of treatment, including the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Familiarity with emergency procedures.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individuals in a dignified, respectful, honest and fair manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field required.
• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field preferred.
• Background check clearance required.
• LPC/LCPC preferred.
• Must either have and/or obtain IM+CANS Certification (maintain yearly renewals).
• One (1) to three (3) years of clinical experience preferred.
• Trained and proficient in the use of electronic health care record required.
• Familiarity with accreditation and licensure standards required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organization, presentation and PC/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and related software.
• Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage (bodily injury and property damage) required.

Benefits

• On‑Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through the Dayforce Wallet app.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full‑time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• Paid training provided to learn, grow