Mental Health Specialist in Waukegan, Illinois at GRO Community

Job Title: Mental Health Specialist

Location: Waukegan, IL 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:

Mental Health Specialists are bachelor'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 Mental Health Specialist provides advocacy to those in our black and brown communities, addressing their daily living, social and communication needs. They provide these services in any location appropriate to the client’s needs such as home, school, community, or justice-related environments.

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.

Competencies:

• Passion to make a difference
• Demonstrate working knowledge of community resources and how to help individuals served access them.
• Strong communication skills including interpersonal

Work Setting:

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

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s 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.