Qualified Mental Health Specialist

GRO Community

Posted 2 months ago

Full Time

Chicago, Illinois

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The Qualified Mental Health Specialist provides one-on-one and group-based behavioral health services to justice-involved male clients in community settings. They collaborate with stakeholders such as probation officers and school staff to support client stability and compliance with court-ordered conditions.

Qualifications

You are a Master's-level mental health professional with strong interpersonal and documentation skills. You will provide one-on-one and group-based behavioral health services, focusing on skill-building and interventions for individuals involved in the probation system. You will collaborate with external stakeholders and maintain timely progress notes and discharge summaries.

Must Have Skills for ATS

trauma-informed care

skill-building

role-playing

social communication

problem-solving

treatment planning

evidence-based therapeutic interventions

de-escalation

safety planning

Job Description

Description

Job Title:  Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) 

Location: Chicago Job Type: Full-Time
Reports to: MHP Supervisor | Direct Reports: none

About Us:

God Restoring Order (GRO) Community is a mental healthcare provider that specializes in trauma recovery services for males of color ages 5 and up. GRO services are grounded in an understanding of the neurological, biological and psychological effects of trauma. GRO services include mental health and wellness, stress management, and community outreach.

Position Summary:

 Qualified Mental Health Specialists (QMHS) are Master’s-level mental health professionals who provide structured, one-on-one strength-based support to male clients at the ages of 5 and up.  The Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) role focuses on supporting individuals involved in the probation system by addressing mental health needs, promoting stability, supporting compliance with court-ordered conditions, and reducing recidivism through trauma-informed, community-based care. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide one-on-one and group-based behavioral health services.
  • Deliver skill-building, role-playing, social communication, and problem-solving interventions.
  • Support clients in real-life community settings including schools, homes, probation and reentry programs.
  • Collaborate with external stakeholders such as school deans, case managers, and probation officers.
  • Participate in treatment team meetings and follow clinical service plans.
  • Submit timely progress notes and discharge summaries.
  • Maintain a maximum caseload of 25 clients.
  • Attend supervision and team meetings regularly.
  • Teaching of alternative strategies, role-playing, behavioral rehearsal, skill acquisition in the community, practicing skills in the community, exposure to social situations in which age-appropriate skills can be practiced, enhancing conflict resolution skills, developing communication skills
  • Complete monthly professional and personal development training assigned by the GRO training department. 
  • Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor, senior director, or other leadership based on the needs of business or departmental needs.

Competencies:

Probation & Justice-Involved Expertise:

  • Strong understanding of probation systems, court-mandated treatment, and the needs of justice-involved individuals.

Leadership & Supervision:

  • Demonstrated experience supervising and developing clinical staff in behavioral health or justice-involved settings.

Clinical Excellence:

  • Proficiency in assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

System Navigation:

  • Ability to collaborate with probation officers, courts, and community resources including housing, employment, and social services.

Cultural Responsiveness:

  • Commitment to culturally informed care, particularly for justice-impacted communities of color.

Crisis Management:

  • Skilled in de-escalation, safety planning, and managing high-risk or court-involved client situations.

Work Setting:

  • Field-based and site-based locations throughout Chicagoland
  • Flexible scheduling; ability to build your own caseload
  • Invoicing-based pay structure/Fee-for-Service

Qualifications:

  • Masters degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Psychology, or related field
  • No prior experience required; GRO Community provides training
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills
  • Reliable transportation and active auto insurance required

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • A supportive and dynamic work environment committed to social impact.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.

How to Apply:

At GRO Community, we believe in healing through empowerment and innovation. Our work centers on serving individuals and families with compassion and integrity. Join our team to make a meaningful impact while building your professional skills in a supportive and mission-driven environment.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience to grosources@grocommunity.org. 

GRO Community

GRO is a community-based agency focused on promoting positive social impact in under-resourced neighborhoods. We specialize in individual and group therapy for youth and adult males who struggle with behavioral issues, emotional difficulties, and criminal justice involvement. Our vision is for boys to become self-sufficient and men to become change agents within their communities. We take an integrative approach to mental health care by offering wrap-around services such as vocational training, neurofeedback, and music therapy. Our culturally relevant male clinicians can connect with the most challenging clients. GRO was founded in 2012 by Aaron Mallory, LCSW to expand treatment options for youth and adult males of color. A graduate of UChicago's School of Social Service Administration (SSA), Aaron has over a decade of clinical and leadership experience in the community mental health field. Our services and programs include: • Individual Therapy • Group Therapy • Neurofeedback • Youth Programming • School- and Home-based Counseling • Mentorship • Workforce Development • DCFS Transitional Living • IDOC Reentry Call us today to schedule an assessment or for other questions!
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