Thresholds
Thresholds

20 Thresholds Direct Support Specialist Jobs Hiring Near You

Working at Thresholds means making a difference in someone's life every day. For decades ... Provides direct service to members in a residential setting, assesses service needs, and makes ...

Working at Thresholds means making a difference in someone's life every day. For decades ... Provides direct service to members in a residential setting, assesses service needs, and makes ...

Employment Support Specialist

Northfield, IL · On-site

$22.25 - $23.25/hr

In addition to direct mentorship, you will network with employers in the area to increase ... Master's degree What sets Thresholds apart: * Competitive pay - Base Rate: $22.25 - $23.25 per hour ...

In addition to direct mentorship, you will network with employers in the area to increase ... Master's degree What sets Thresholds apart: * Competitive pay - Base Rate: $22.80 - $25.63 per hour ...

In addition to direct mentorship, you will network with employers in the area to increase ... Master's degree What sets Thresholds apart: * Competitive pay - Base Rate: $22.25 - $23.25 per hour ...

New

Employment Support Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.80 - $25.63/hr

In addition to direct mentorship, you will network with employers in the area to increase ... Master's degree What sets Thresholds apart: * Competitive pay - Base Rate: $22.80 - $25.63 per hour ...

Thresholds Jobs Information

What is it like to work at Thresholds?

Thresholds is a non-profit organization that prioritizes a culture of compassion, empathy, and collaboration, fostering a supportive environment for its employees to grow and make a meaningful impact.

The organization's structure is designed to promote a team-based approach, with a focus on providing comprehensive services to individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health crises. Thresholds operates multiple locations, offering a range of programs and services, including housing, employment, and healthcare support.

Working at Thresholds may appeal to individuals who are passionate about making a difference in their community, as the organization offers opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and a sense of fulfillment that comes from contributing to a mission-driven cause.

What makes Thresholds an attractive place to work?

Thresholds is a well-established organization in the industry, recognized for its commitment to delivering high-quality services and solutions. The company fosters a dynamic work environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and professional growth, with opportunities for employees to develop new skills and take on challenging projects. By joining Thresholds, individuals can contribute to meaningful work, advance their careers, and be part of a team that values expertise, creativity, and teamwork.
What are the most popular categories at Thresholds?
Infographic showing various Direct Support Specialist job openings at Thresholds in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution.

Residential Support Specialist Substitute - Mothers Residential

Thresholds

Chicago, IL • On-site

$44K - $49K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Do you enjoy getting to know someone and coaching them towards achieving their goals related to work, relationships, and independent living? You could make a difference in someone’s life every day as a Residential Support Specialist (RSS) working with young adults between the ages of 17-24.

Residential Support Specialists work one-on-one and in groups with youth experiencing mental health challenges. Within the residential setting, you will assist the clients as they learn and practice skills related to what matters most to young people: relationships, school success, recreational activities, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living. You will also ensure safety by helping youth regulate and safely express their emotions, including using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills. During an average day, you will teach independent living skills like hygiene and housekeeping, help residents prepare meals, model relationship building skills, and coach youth on coping skills.

Not only do you help clients develop key independent living skills, you are also fostering a safe and inviting living environment by regularly cleaning the residence. You will see their progress and document their experiences, success with medication management, and recovery process as they transition to adulthood. As a substitute, you will fill in for the full time residential staff to ensure continuity of care.

To succeed in this role, you need:

  • Passion for mental health advocacy
  • Effective communication and relationship-building skills
  • Compassion and respect while working in someone’s home
  • Patience and willingness to meet youth where they’re at
  • Good writing skills and attention to detail
  • A valid driver's license
  • 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 at least 25 years of age.
  • Associates degree or higher and at least 21 years of age.

What sets Thresholds apart:

  • Competitive pay – Base rate: $21.50 - 23.75 per hour / $44,720 - 49,400 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.

Keywords: direct support professional, youth care worker, DCFS