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Mental Health Counselor
Job Location:
Job Location:
Chicago, IL - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 50000 - 55000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
29 September 2026 (2 days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
27 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Title: Mental Health Counselor
Reports To: Program Manager
Salary Range: $50000 - $55000
La Casa Nortes mission is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities. La Casa Nortes mission and philosophy of service is to impact the social issues of homelessness at the individual and community levels.
Summary of Responsibilities
The Mental Health Counselor provides trauma-informed culturally responsive evidence-based behavioral health support to individuals families and groups participating in La Casa Nortes housing and supportive service programs. This role helps residents and program participants stabilize mental health; access substance use treatment and strengthen coping skills to maintain housing stability. Services are provided under the clinical supervision of a qualified licensed mental health professional in accordance with Illinois law applicable ethical standards and organizational policies.
For LSWs & LPCs pursuing their LCSW/LCPC this role provides an opportunity to gain supervised clinical experience toward the 3000 hours required for LCSW/LCPC licensure in Illinois.
If you are looking for a position where you can grow as a clinician receive professional supervision gain valuable experience and work toward the next step in your career we encourage you to apply.
Client Support
- Conduct comprehensive intake interviews and biopsychosocial assessments under clinical supervision.
- Obtain psychosocial developmental medical educational family and trauma histories.
- Identify client strengths and protective factors.
- Assess social determinants of health. Screen for substance use disorders and trauma exposure.
- Carries a caseload of youth clients primarily in shelter or transitional housing setting. Focuses on the use of individual group or family treatment modalities.
- Formulates and frequently reviews treatment plans with supervisor.
- Provide individual and group support services focused on mental health stabilization coping skills and recovery goals.
- Participate in clinical case staffing and collaborate closely with case managers other LCN staff and community partners.
- Provide crisis intervention safety planning and support to program participants experiencing acute mental health or substance-related needs.
- Participate in regular clinical supervision team meetings and professional development activities.
- Assist with outreach engagement and community referrals to behavioral health and substance use recovery programs.
- Support program evaluation efforts and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
- When necessary liaison to DCFS or other agency (courts school districts etc.) communicating goals and progress toward their accomplishment.
Quality Assurance and Data Management
- Promote equity in service access and delivery.
- Develop implement and monitor treatment or service plans in alignment with supervision and agency policy.
- Maintain accurate client documentation in accordance with agency funder and HIPAA requirements.
- Maintain accurate program data and documentation including ClientTrack HMIS Caseworthy daily logs quarterly reports and/or annual program reports.
Qualifications
Required:
- Masters degree in Social Work Counseling (MSW LSW or LPC).
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness substance use or trauma preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity harm reduction and recovery-oriented approaches.
- Reliable vehicle with insurance and valid drivers license.
- Experience with homeless and at-risk youth.
- Skilled in group facilitation and diverse environments.
- Strong working knowledge of housing first harm reduction and trauma-informed care principles.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to pass a DCFS Background Check.
Preferred:
- Candidates actively pursuing licensure are encouraged to apply.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
- Experience in supportive housing emergency shelter youth services or reentry work.
- Familiarity with ClientTrack HMIS or other case management systems.
Licensure and Supervision:
This position meets requirements for pre-licensed professionals seeking clinical supervision hours toward LCSW or LCPC licensure. All clinical activities (including mental health assessments treatment planning and intervention) occur under a qualified supervisors oversight.
Work Conditions
- Flexible hours including evenings weekends and on-call rotation.
- Must be able to walk up and down stairs and lift/move up to 25 lbs.
- Frequent engagement in community outreach program activities and events.
Compensation and Benefits Package Includes:
- Paid Time Off: 14 vacation days per year
- Personal Days: 7 personal days per year
- Holidays: 10 paid holidays annually
- Sick Leave: 6 sick days annually
- Health Insurance: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (HMO/PPO options)
- Dental and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options
- Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan
- Life Insurance: $25000 basic term life insurance (at no cost to employees)
- Disability Insurance: Long-term disability coverage (at no cost to employees)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options for healthcare transit and dependent care
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources for employees
Bargaining Unit Status:
This position is represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 39.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race ethnicity religion sexual orientation age veteran status national origin or disability. LCN will consider requests or exceptions to job duties based on legally protected religious observances as reasonable accommodations to an employees disability or as otherwise required by law.
About Company
Discover La Casa Norte’s comprehensive programs for youth and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Chicago. Learn about our emergency shelters, drop-in centers, supportive housing solutions, and wraparound services tailored to communities impacted by systemic ... View more
