Behavioral Health Advocate

The Behavioral Health Advocate is part of the Family Empowerment Team and works closely with participants who may experience chronic health conditions, severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and other barriers to housing stability and wellness. This role also supports staff through training and education on best practices when supporting participants with high acuity, complex trauma, and active additions. 

This is a full-time position that may require occasional evenings and weekends. This position requires driving and conducting in-home client visits.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Behavioral Health & Care Coordination (70%)

• Conduct behavioral health and wellness assessments with participants to identify mental health, substance use, medical, and recovery support needs
• Provide referrals and linkage to behavioral health providers, primary care services, substance use treatment programs, psychiatric care, recovery support services, and community-based resources
• Collaborate with Facing Forward Case Management staff to coordinate participant care plans and address barriers to healthcare access, treatment engagement, and housing stability
• Support participants with navigating healthcare systems, including Medicaid, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and behavioral health providers
• Provide advocacy and support during medical, psychiatric, and substance use-related crises, including de-escalation, safety planning, and coordination with emergency or crisis response systems when appropriate
• Accompany participants to appointments as needed to support treatment engagement, self-advocacy, and continuity of care
• Develop individualized wellness and behavioral health service plans with participants 
• Utilize trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches in all participant interactions
• Facilitate psychoeducational and support groups on topics such as:

• Mental health and wellness
• Substance use and recovery
• Coping skills and emotional regulation
• Healthcare navigation

• Healthy relationships and self-care

• Consult with staff regarding participant behavioral health needs and strategies for engagement and stabilization
• Assist participants with obtaining and maintaining benefits and healthcare coverage when related to treatment access and continuity of care
• Support discharge planning and transitions of care for participants returning from hospitals and/or treatment programs
• Maintain accurate documentation of participant interactions, service plans, referrals, and out comes in accordance with agency and funder requirements

Community Partnership Development (15%)

• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with hospitals, community mental health providers, recovery programs, detoxification programs, psychiatric providers, and other healthcare organizations
• Represent Facing Forward in community meetings, coalitions, and provider networks related to behavioral health, homelessness, healthcare access, and supportive housing
• Identify gaps in services and assist leadership in developing partnerships and programming that improve participant access to healthcare and recovery supports

Staff Support & Training (5%)

• Provide training and consultation to staff on behavioral health topics, including trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, de-escalation, substance use, recovery support, and community resources
• Serve as a resource to staff regarding participant behavioral health concerns and healthcare navigation
• Support interdisciplinary collaboration across programs and teams

Program Administration & Documentation (10%)

• Complete timely and accurate documentation, progress notes, data entry, referrals, and reporting requirements in HMIS and other agency databases
• Maintain organized and confidential participant files in compliance with agency standards
• Assist leadership with program evaluation, outcome tracking, and data collection related to participant wellness and healthcare access

• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, trainings, supervision, and professional development opportunities
• Utilize agency technology systems, including email, databases, and electronic documentation systems, to complete assigned responsibilities efficiently
• Protect participant confidentiality and maintain compliance with HIPAA and agency policies
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and organizational needs

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Counseling, Human Services, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

Minimum of two years of experience working in behavioral health, homelessness services, supportive housing, case management, healthcare coordination, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, or related human services field preferred.

Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, co-occurring disorders, trauma, and/or substance use disorders strongly preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices
• Knowledge of community behavioral health, healthcare, housing, and recovery resources
• Experience navigating Medicaid and managed care systems preferred
• Ability to engage individuals with complex behavioral health and social service needs in a respectful, nonjudgmental, and culturally responsive manner
• Strong crisis intervention, de-escalation, advocacy, and communication skills

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within interdisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic databases, and documentation systems
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Bilingual abilities are a plus

Certification/License

• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required
• Certification in Mental Health First Aid, Crisis Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, or related behavioral health training preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed remotely and in a typical office environment 

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer are required 

• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of light office items (up to 20 lbs) may be 

required 

• Frequent use of standard office equipment including computers, phones, and printers

WORK SCHEDULE

• This is a hybrid position with standard office hours of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 

p.m. 

• The role requires a combination of on-site presence at organizational locations and remote 

workdays 

• Regular in-office presence is required based on operational and departmental needs 

• Attendance at meetings, trainings, and organizational events may occasionally be required in the 

evenings and weekends

• Flexibility to adjust schedule based on operational needs, office coverage, or organizational 

priorities may be required

Equal Opportunity Employer

Facing Forward to End Homelessness is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage 

applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, 

color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, 

citizenship or work authorization status, age, disability, marital or family status, military or veteran status, 

or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, Illinois, or Chicago law.

Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and hiring process. Applicants who 

require an accommodation may contact humanresources@ffchicago.org 

For benefits information, please see the attached document.