ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth, while embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion for every individual in every community. When you join us, you have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

Location: Ascension Saint Joseph - 77 N Airlite St, Elgin, IL 60123

Engagement Specialists are responsible for:

• Engages potential clients, explains Gateway programs, treatment options and requirements to potential clients, and completes intake screenings.
• Evaluates appropriateness of available treatment options to ensure proper placement.
• Completes assessment of needs or required services, and identifies and counsels clients on most suitable treatment options in consideration of needs, available resources and payment options.
• Completes required paperwork related to screenings, intakes and assessments.
• Promotes Gateway programs to hospitals personnel and develops appropriate contacts to enhance opportunities for future referrals.
• Explains program background, philosophy, and treatment options; and arranges facility tours for referral sources.
• Maintains regular communication with referral sources to plan and coordinate treatments and services, relay information on case progress, respond to questions or concerns on program services or options.
• Participates in various collaborative projects and meetings with current and potential referral sources to facilitate outreach objectives.
• Identifies and evaluates trends and patterns of referrals, and participates in program/process improvements to enhance referral outcomes.
• Performs initial case management in order to facilitate program admission and retention; which includes encouraging and motivating clients’ participation and commitment to treatment, directing clients to additional services as needed, following up with various agencies and insurance carriers to resolve problems.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling substance abuse counseling or a closely related field.
•  Advanced communication skills; and knowledge of substance abuse counseling techniques.
•  Substance abuse certification (CADC) or license required.
• Ability to complete intake assessments and related documentation, evaluate potential clients and appropriate program placement, and explain treatment options, at a level normally acquired through two to three years progressively more responsible experience in the substance abuse field.               
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to promote Gateway programs to referral sources, engage and interview potential clients, and serve as organization representative at conferences and health fairs.             
• Typing ability and working knowledge of word processing software.
•  A current and valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and reliable transportation, in order to travel to various locations to conduct assessments and meet with potential clients.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to speak with others in order to exchange information, interview potential clients, and conduct group presentations.
• Ability to record and proofread information on forms and charts.
• Ability to respond to telephones and pages, and hear speech.
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data on a regular basis.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, and remain alert to traffic signs and conditions.
• Ability to stand up to four hours at a time when staffing display booths at health fairs (essential).
• Ability to stoop and bend, ability to reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity, ability to communicate with others, and color vision. 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds when transporting and setting up displays and brochures.

Compensation (based on experience and credentials): 

• Range begins at $19.27 - $28.12 per hour
• Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match 
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 

Flexibility and Time Off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.