Mental Wellness Therapist

Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope is a Chicago nonprofit working to end food hunger and address its root causes. Founded in 1970, we have evolved from a traditional food pantry into a comprehensive organization providing nutritious food, social services, and mental health support to individuals and families across Chicago.

We support the whole person with with respect, dignity, and compassion through:

Five food access programs providing monthly groceries—including fresh produce, protein, grains, canned goods and other pantry staples—plus Bonus distributions offering additional food throughout the month.

Home delivery for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities.

Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Each year, Nourishing Hope provides nutritious food and essential support to tens of thousands of Chicagoans. In 2025, we distributed more than 6 million pounds of food, served 50,000 neighbors, and provided more than 7,000 social services, including over 3,400 free mental health counseling sessions.

When you join Nourishing Hope, you become part of a team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors and strengthening our Chicago communities.

Position Summary

The Mental Wellness Therapist primarily supports effective delivery of Nourishing Hope’s mental wellness programming, including clinical outpatient services (individual and group), client outreach, stakeholder engagement, data tracking and reporting, and quality assurance. This role acts as a liaison to all neighbors, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure a dignified and respectful experience in alignment with Nourishing Hope’s Core Values.

Schedule and Locations

This position primarily works out of Headquarters located at 1716 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL. The work schedule is Monday-Friday, 9:00a-5:00p. This position is onsite and at partner locations, with a maximum of two days per week working remotely. Other onsite location presence is required periodically, based on programmatic need. Hours and other onsite location presence may vary based on programmatic needs.

Essential Job Functions

Caseload & Program Execution - Managing a caseload of 20 clients, support the execution of all relevant Mental Wellness standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure a high level of programming and mental wellness services that adhere to organizational, state, and federal policy/standards, and technology utilization and data quality. Caseloads may be adjusted, as appropriate

Evidence-Based Programming - Ensure evidence-based and up to date Mental Wellness programming (individual and group), in alignment with SOPs, through outreach via phone, email, and scheduled appointments remotely and in person. This includes providing individual and group services that are human-centered and trauma-informed, and providing external referrals as appropriate

Case Records Management - Maintaining accurate case records that include assessments, interventions, service plans, and case note in Azzly (EHR) and Salesforce and administer IM CANS assessments with Medicaid clients, as appropriate

Team Collaboration & Integration - Actively participates as a member of the Mental Wellness & Social Services team and to ensure cross-team and cross-departmental alignment with organizational priorities to achieve organizational goals. Participates in external meetings and trainings, as required

Cross-Program Collaboration - Collaboratively works with all Nourishing Hope food distribution programs to ensure alignment and programmatic optimization across Program Department

Qualifications

Required

Master’s degree in social work or counseling

Since the position does not require full clinical licensure, individuals are required to receive clinical supervision while completing the supervised hours needed to qualify for clinical licensure testing. Clinical supervision will be provided on-site.

1+ year experience working in a human services setting and engaged in direct client work

Strong technology skills including:

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite

Ability to use and maintain Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) data quality

Commitment to Nourishing Hope’s mission and an understanding of and belief in the importance of food security for all

Familiarity with the interconnected barriers experienced by neighbors experiencing food insecurity, including but not limited to homelessness, mental and physical health, disability, substance use, and aging-related barriers

Strong interpersonal and communication skills (in person, over the phone, remotely, and in writing) and the ability to navigate challenging situations with patience and professionalism

Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team, including willingness to provide staff coverage, depending on programmatic need

Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions

A high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy

Highly Preferred

LSW or LPC with unrestricted Illinois license

Experience planning and conducting individual and group therapy and counseling sessions

Bilingual (Spanish)

Previous experience in the hunger relief sectors, with familiarity with Chicago human services ecosystem

Experience in Non-violent Crisis Intervention techniques

Physical Requirements

Ability to do sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing

Manual dexterity to use computer, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment

Visual acuity (with or without correction) to read documents and computer screens

Ability to lift, bend, crouch, reach

Ability to occasionally work on one’s feet for most of the day

Ability to occasionally engage in prolonged standing and walking

Pay and Benefits

Salary Range: $48,000 - $54,000 based on experience

Full-time benefits include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage

Employer-paid life and disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

Generous paid time off

Paid birthday holiday

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Language pay

$250 employee referral bonus

Free subscription to mental wellness app

Background Check

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local laws.

We kindly ask that agencies and recruiters refrain from reaching out. Unsolicited sales messages will be blocked and reported as spam.