Why You'll Love This Role

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in two distinct yet complementary ways. You'll build trusted partnerships that strengthen the ability of synagogues to support their congregants while also creating and leading grief support groups, mental health programs and professional trainings that promote healing, resilience, and connection throughout Chicagoland.

Purpose

The purpose of the Jewish Community Liaison & Mental Health Professional position is to strengthen the well-being of the Chicagoland Jewish community through the development of meaningful partnerships, accessible mental health support, and community-centered programming. This dual-focused role combines synagogue partnership with clinical support, serving as a trusted liaison to synagogues throughout Chicago's Northwest Suburbs, collaborating with clergy, and lay leaders to strengthen community well-being and respond to emerging needs, while also facilitating grief support groups, mental health education, and professional training throughout the greater Chicagoland Jewish community. This role does not carry an individual caseload or provide treatment.

Responsibilities

Community Liaison

Serve as a trusted resource and connector for partner synagogues and other Jewish communal organizations by:

• Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with clergy, professional staff and lay leaders in partnership congregations.
• Providing consultation to clergy and congregational leadership to strengthen their capacity to address the social service and mental health needs of congregants.
• Assessing community and congregant needs and connecting individuals with appropriate JCFS Chicago and community-based social service and mental health resources.
• Expanding engagement with Jewish communal institutions throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

Grief and Mental Health Support

Develop and implement grief and mental health programs that foster healing, resilience, and connection by:

• Designing and facilitating grief support groups and psychoeducational programs, both in person and virtually.
• Planning and presenting community programming and professional training focused on mental health and wellness.
• Collaborating with JCFS colleagues and community partners to identify emerging needs and develop responsive programs and services.

Agency & Program Support

• Maintain accurate documentation and program records.
• Represent JCFS Chicago positively with professionalism, warmth, and a commitment to excellent service.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments and participate in agency initiatives as needed.
• Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Traits/Competencies

• Self-reflective; someone who takes an active role in appraising one’s own effectiveness.
• Interpersonally flexible; able to shift gears quickly based on situation or changing priorities.
• Highly collaborative and responsive.
• Efficient and effective time management skills.
• Independent with demonstrated use of sound judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to set boundaries and maintain proper self-care activities.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm in stressful situations while maintaining an understanding and supportive demeanor.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.

Decision Making Authority

• Makes decisions within the scope of current policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or marriage & family therapy (LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, LCP).
• Minimum 3 years of professional work in a social service environment and/or providing community education and professional training.
• Experience facilitating psycho-educational support groups.
• Excellent organizational skills to ensure competing priorities are completed in a strategic manner.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Knowledge of, and experience working with, the Chicago-area Jewish community preferred.
• Able to work evenings and occasional weekends to facilitate support groups and/or present educational programming. As this position requires visits to locations which may or may not be accessible by public transportation, must be able to drive, have a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and reliable access to a vehicle to travel in the Chicago metropolitan area, particularly in the northwest suburbs.