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Form of workDo you enjoy working with young people? Join Thresholds' Young Adult Program (YAP) as an Activities Coordinator and make a difference in the lives of youth and young adults experiencing serious mental illness.
As the Activities Coordinator, you will plan and facilitate a variety of therapeutic, recreational, and social programming for the youth ages 16-21, based on their needs and interests. You will create and manage the monthly activity schedule and recreation resource lists, sharing these documents with youth and staff to encourage participation. Activities may include outdoor and physical activities like exercise, sports, or dance. You will also organize cultural, educational, and artistic activities, as well as special events such as holiday celebrations and prom. Activities will take place at YAP locations including the residences or the school, but also out in the community as field trips.
Not only do you help youth clients develop key communication and advocacy skills, you will foster their interests and curiosity by helping them identify and explore their leisure interests. You will also support their mental health recovery by running at least one clinical or psychoeducation group per week. With the other YAP staff, you will ensure safety by helping youth regulate and safely express their emotions, including using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills. Documentation is also a key part of this role, to record the clients’ progress.
To succeed in this role, you need:
- To be at least 23 years old
- Passion for mental health advocacy
- Effective communication and relationship-building skills
- Patience and willingness to meet youth where they’re at
- A valid driver’s license
- Willingness to provide transportation to clients with a Thresholds vehicle or a personal vehicle
- Willingness to work 3 evenings per week (typically 11am - 7pm) and 1 Saturday each month, for a full day activity.
- To be able to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, which require moderate exertion, being able to lift 40 pounds, and the mobility to lower self to a kneeling position on the floor. This training is provided and required by Thresholds.
There are multiple educational pathways to be 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 related field
- Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience
What sets Thresholds apart:
- Competitive pay – Base rate: $21.50 - 23.00 per hour / $44,720 - 47,840 annually
- Subject to increase based on education and experience
- Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
- Dental insurance, vision insurance,choice of 4 medical insurance plans
- 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
- Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
- Public service loan forgiveness
- Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission. Click here to learn more.
One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.
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