AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) is a leading public health nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV, chronic conditions, and housing instability. AFC provides direct services, advocacy, and community partnerships to address health disparities and improve quality of life for underserved populations.

The Behavioral Health Specialist will provide compassionate, trauma-informed behavioral health and substance use services to individuals in permanent supportive housing. Using harm reduction and person-centered therapy, this role helps clients stabilize their housing, improve their well-being, and access critical support services. The Specialist will work closely with AFC’s multidisciplinary teams, care coordinators, and external partners to provide individualized behavioral health interventions that reduce barriers to care and promote long-term stability.

This position has a salary range of $50,000 – $53,000 annually.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Conduct behavioral health assessments in-home using various clinical tools
• Develop individualized treatment plans for each participant and update every six months
• Provide individual and group counseling at the participant’s level of understanding
• Conduct clinical assessments and provide crisis intervention services when needed
• Coordinate referrals for behavioral health treatment and serve as a liaison to community programs
• Facilitate communication with clients’ Medicaid managed care health plans, care coordinators, primary care providers, and psychiatrists to ensure integrated care
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings with AFC and community partners
• Conduct and document intake assessments, program discharges, and referrals
• Maintain accurate case documentation in electronic and paper records

Program Support

• Implement counseling program procedures and clinical forms
• Provide behavioral health expertise to partner agency staff, including case managers and supervisors
• Train AFC and partner agency staff on mental health and substance use best practices
• Offer case-conferencing consultation for complex client cases
• Stay current on evidence-based treatment modalities and interventions

Other Responsibilities

• Support agency-wide activities, including the Annual Meeting, AIDS Run & Walk, and World of Chocolate.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect organizational information.
• Continue professional development through training, reading, and networking
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support the success of the program and organization

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Entry Requirements (Experience and Education)

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Human Services, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field and 2+ years of Human Services experience
• 1+ years of Behavioral Health counseling experience
• Valid driver's license, vehicle insurance and reliable transportation (travel required)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field and 2+ years of Human Services experience
• 2+ years of Behavioral Health counseling experience
• 1+ years of experience working with HIV-specific services
• CADC, CRADC, or MISA I certification
• LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, or an equivalent license

Benefits Offered

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees’ well-being and work-life balance, including:

• Health Insurance: Multiple health plan options, including HMO and PPO, with some plans available at no cost for qualifying employees
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive dental coverage with minimal employee contribution and affordable vision insurance options
• Retirement Savings: Eligible employees can join AFC’s retirement plan and make Roth or pre-tax contributions directly from their paycheck
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policy to support personal time and well-being
• Flexible Scheduling: Options for hybrid, remote, or on-site work models tailored to individual needs
• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, along with short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources for personal and professional support, including mental health services