Mental Wellness Therapist

Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope is a dynamic Chicago nonprofit agency. Nourishing Hope has evolved to become more than solely a hunger relief organization. We provide food, social services such as job and housing assistance, and free mental wellness counseling with a growing team of licensed therapists. Founded in 1970, we strive to serve the needs of the whole person — with respect and dignity, always.

Nourishing Hope offers our neighbors nutritious food using a choice-based distribution model and access to life-changing social services including:

• Monthly food distribution and additional produce pickup through five different food access programs.
• Home delivery services for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities.
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Nourishing Hope serves tens of thousands of people each year, providing more than 4 million meals through our programs, in addition to partnerships with other community organizations. This year, more than 7,000 low-income neighbors will also receive case management and social services.

Position Summary

The Mental Wellness Therapist primarily supports effective delivery of Nourishing Hope’s mental wellness programming, including clinical outpatient services (individual and group), client outreach, stakeholder engagement, data tracking and reporting, and quality assurance. This role acts as a liaison to all neighbors, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure a dignified and respectful experience in alignment with Nourishing Hope’s Core Values.

Schedule and Locations

This position primarily works out of Headquarters located at 1716 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL. The work schedule is Monday-Friday, 9:00a-5:00p. This position is onsite and at partner locations, with a maximum of two days per week working remotely. Other onsite location presence is required periodically, based on programmatic need. Hours and other onsite location presence may vary based on programmatic needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Caseload & Program Execution - Managing a caseload of 20 clients, support the execution of all relevant Mental Wellness standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure a high level of programming and mental wellness services that adhere to organizational, state, and federal policy/standards, and technology utilization and data quality. Caseloads may be adjusted, as appropriate
• Evidence-Based Programming - Ensure evidence-based and up to date Mental Wellness programming (individual and group), in alignment with SOPs, through outreach via phone, email, and scheduled appointments remotely and in person. This includes providing individual and group services that are human-centered and trauma-informed, and providing external referrals as appropriate
• Case Records Management - Maintaining accurate case records that include assessments, interventions, service plans, and case note in Azzly (EHR) and Salesforce and administer IM CANS assessments with Medicaid clients, as appropriate
• Team Collaboration & Integration - Actively participates as a member of the Mental Wellness & Social Services team and to ensure cross-team and cross-departmental alignment with organizational priorities to achieve organizational goals. Participates in external meetings and trainings, as required
• Cross-Program Collaboration - Collaboratively works with all Nourishing Hope food distribution programs to ensure alignment and programmatic optimization across Program Department

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in social work or counseling
• Since the position does not require full clinical licensure, individuals are required to receive clinical supervision while completing the supervised hours needed to qualify for clinical licensure testing. Clinical supervision will be provided on-site.
• 1+ year experience working in a human services setting and engaged in direct client work
• Strong technology skills including:
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
  • Ability to use and maintain Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) data quality
• Commitment to Nourishing Hope’s mission and an understanding of and belief in the importance of food security for all
• Familiarity with the interconnected barriers experienced by neighbors experiencing food insecurity, including but not limited to homelessness, mental and physical health, disability, substance use, and aging-related barriers
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (in person, over the phone, remotely, and in writing) and the ability to navigate challenging situations with patience and professionalism 
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team, including willingness to provide staff coverage, depending on programmatic need
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions 
• A high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy

Highly Preferred

• LSW or LPC with unrestricted Illinois license 
• Experience planning and conducting individual and group therapy and counseling sessions
• Bilingual (Spanish)
• Previous experience in the hunger relief sectors, with familiarity with Chicago human services ecosystem
• Experience in Non-violent Crisis Intervention techniques

Physical Requirements

• Ability to do sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing
• Manual dexterity to use computer, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment
• Visual acuity (with or without correction) to read documents and computer screens
• Ability to lift, bend, crouch, reach
• Ability to occasionally work on one’s feet for most of the day
• Ability to occasionally engage in prolonged standing and walking

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $48,000 - $54,000 based on experience

Full-time benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Paid birthday holiday
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental leave
• Language pay
• $250 employee referral bonus
• Free subscription to mental wellness app

Background Check

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local laws.

We kindly ask that agencies and recruiters refrain from reaching out. Unsolicited sales messages will be blocked and reported as spam.