Crisis Worker, Mobile Crisis Response - South Side

About the role

As a Crisis Worker on Thresholds’ Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), you will respond to mental health crises on the South Side of Chicago, providing an alternative to or working in conjunction with hospitalization or police response. Each shift involves answering calls to our crisis hotline, conducting safety assessments, and determining the appropriate response—whether connecting the caller to services or intervening in person alongside a Peer Engagement Specialist. Interventions are tailored to the individual’s needs, ranging from de-escalation to assisting with hospitalization, and may include distributing basic necessities like first aid items, water, or warm clothes. Community interventions occur year-round in all weather conditions. After responding, you will offer follow-up support and document services provided. Between calls, you’ll have opportunities for professional development through self-directed projects and community outreach.

Responsibilities

• Respond to mental health crises via crisis hotline and in-person interventions on the South Side of Chicago.
• Conduct rapid yet thorough safety assessments to determine the appropriate level of response.
• Provide face-to-face crisis intervention in homes, workplaces, or community locations, often in collaboration with a Peer Engagement Specialist.
• Assist individuals in crisis using the least restrictive intervention possible, such as de-escalation techniques or facilitating hospitalization.
• Distribute basic necessities (e.g., first aid items, water, warm clothes) to individuals in crisis as needed.
• Offer follow-up support based on client needs and document all services provided.
• Engage in professional development and community outreach during downtime between calls.
• Work in all weather conditions and traverse long distances or multiple flights of stairs as required.

Requirements

• Passion for mental health advocacy.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving and writing skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
• At least 23 years old.
• Valid driver’s license (daily access to a vehicle preferred).
• Ability to work assigned schedule (see available shifts below).
• Ability to remain stationary for prolonged periods and occasionally traverse long distances or multiple flights of stairs.

Qualifications

Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role:

• High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience.
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

Schedule

Available schedules:

• Crisis Worker 2: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Crisis Worker 5: Sunday–Monday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM; Tuesday–Thursday, 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
• Crisis Worker 6: Friday–Tuesday, 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
• Crisis Worker 7: Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM

Benefits

• Competitive pay: Base rate of $27.00 – $30.58 per hour (based on education, experience, and licensure).
• Generous paid time off (PTO).
• Dental, vision, and three medical insurance plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Public service loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Free clinical supervision for licensure (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC).

About Thresholds

Thresholds is one of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, recognized as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For. We are a mission-driven agency committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and supported. The culture is collaborative, providing tools and resources for optimal client care, along with opportunities for training and professional growth in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices.