VP-CST Citywide Mental Health Practitioner

VP-CST Mental Health Practitioner

Location:

Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) office, Illinois.

Salary: $55,000 – $66,000 annually. Candidates with LCSW or LCPC credentials may be considered for a starting salary up to $78,000.

• Conduct comprehensive client assessments and intakes to determine needs, strengths, and eligibility for VP-CST services.
• Provide individualized case management, counseling, and advocacy addressing behavioral health, safety, and stabilization needs in alignment with the VP‑CST model.
• Develop and monitor service plans, collaborating with clients and interdisciplinary teams to establish achievable goals.
• Recommend transitions to less intensive services as appropriate, coordinating with the authorizing LPHA and VP‑CST services.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation in compliance with Medicaid, managed care, and agency record‑keeping standards.
• Maintain fidelity to the VP‑CST approach, ensuring an 18:1 client‑to‑staff ratio and prioritizing intensive, relational engagement.
• Deliver community‑based and home‑based services, including individual, family, group therapy, crisis intervention, skill building, and resource navigation per the IATP.
• Facilitate or co‑facilitate group psycho‑education, coping strategies, and community‑building sessions.
• Connect clients to community resources and coordinate care across systems such as housing, medical, employment, and legal supports.
• Advocate for clients in community networks, reducing barriers and ensuring culturally responsive, trauma‑informed care.
• Participate in trainings, supervisory meetings, and administrative meetings to uphold program quality.
• Represent the agency and VP‑CST program in the community, building partnerships and increasing service awareness.
• May require additional certifications or training in youth development, restorative justice, or mentoring as dictated by program or grant requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Maintain consistent community‑based behavioral health services under the VP‑CST model with outreach workers and community partners.
• Work effectively with diverse individuals and groups impacted by trauma, community violence, and systemic inequities.
• Strong knowledge of trauma‑informed care principles, adult development, and effects of poverty, violence, and discrimination on mental health.
• Familiarity with community resources and ability to navigate local systems for clients.
• Awareness of HIPAA, confidentiality, and ethical standards in behavior health and social services.
• Conflict resolution, de‑escalation skills, staying calm under pressure.
• Collaborative mindset, work as part of a multidisciplinary VP‑CST team (case managers, outreach workers, clinicians, peer specialists).
• Ability to complete structured assessments and screening tools (PHQ‑9, GAD‑7, program intake forms) accurately and sensitively.
• Presentation and group facilitation skills, delivering psycho‑education workshops or community trainings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, EHR, and professional written and verbal communication.
• Availability for flexible, nighttime, and weekend schedules as required.

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or other community language preferred.
• State Medicaid billing and documentation knowledge preferred.
• Master’s degree in social work or counseling from an accredited college or university required.
• Application to take the LSW or LPC exam (or equivalent state credential) preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in community‑violence prevention, behavioral health, criminal justice, or related settings preferred.
• Certification in IM+CANS within 3 months of hire and annual re‑certification required.

• Pass all relevant screenings and a criminal‑background check.

• Driving required; must own a personal vehicle and travel between sites.

• Job requires sitting and standing for long periods, conversational with clients, handling objects and occasional standing, bending, stooping, speaking, and using hands to touch and handle tools or equipment.

• Medical coverage, dental coverage, and vision coverage.
• Annual contributions of $2,000 to individuals and $4,000 to families.
• Free general medicine and behavioral health services for all staff.
• 401(k) plan with 4 % employer match, vesting 100 % on day one.