$60, 000 - 69, 000 annually

Location: Rogers Park

The Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day operations and overall tone of the Beacon Drop-In Center, a low-barrier, recovery-focused environment that serves adults living with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use. This role ensures high-quality, trauma-informed services while creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging space for both clients and staff. The Team Leader provides direct supervision to staff and interns, manages the flow of the milieu, oversees peer services programming, and maintains strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate is highly dependable, confident in navigating team dynamics, proactive in addressing behavioral and environmental concerns, and passionate about recovery-oriented service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent and supportive supervision for all assigned Beacon staff and interns, including weekly 1: 1s and documented supervision notes.
• Create and maintain a structured, welcoming, and safe environment within the Beacon Drop-In Center.
• Actively monitor the Beacon milieu and provide real-time coaching, modeling, and intervention as needed to address conflicts, behavioral challenges, and staff-client dynamics.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of client services, team issues, and program-related updates.
• Develop weekly staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage and support throughout all program hours.
• Lead bi-weekly Beacon staff meetings and facilitate peer team meetings to enhance communication, accountability, and professional development.
• Oversee peer-led programming, support staff pursuing CRSS certification, and provide consultation across programs on effective peer integration.
• Coordinate logistics for programming, including special events, donation drives, and guest activities that support recovery and wellness goals.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager, crisis team, facilities, and external partners to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Develop weekly staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage and support throughout all program hours where the drop-in center operates 7 days a week/365 days a year.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, agency protocols, and any emergent public health guidelines (e.g., COVID-19).
• Promote a harm reduction and strengths-based approach across all services.
• Provide individual and group services, including support around independent living skills, symptom self-management, and community integration.
• Respond to escalations and provide support to staff to maintain a respectful, non-judgmental space.
• Assist in onboarding new staff and interns and ensure ongoing training needs are addressed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification is required to be obtained within six months of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in social work, psychology, or a related human services field.
• At least three years of experience working in community mental health, preferably in a drop-in center or low-barrier setting.
• Must self-identify as a person with lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery and be willing to share that experience in appropriate and empowering ways.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to de-escalate situations, lead diverse teams, and model professional boundaries in an informal setting.
• Comfort working with vulnerable populations in a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and harm reduction model.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and programs.

Benefits

• FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees
• PAID Maternity/Paternity leave
• Medical Insurance (BCBS of IL)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Pet Insurance
• FSA (Health, Dependent Care, Transit)
• Telemedicine
• EAP
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match