Support Group Manager

Description

Type: Full-Time 

Reports To:  Director of Community Based Services 

Office Location: 224 W Hill St, Suite 410, Chicago IL; required in-office minimum of 3 days per week (hybrid work policy subject to change) 

Background:  

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey. 

Who We Are Looking For: 

The Support Group Manager supports NAMI Chicago’s mission by playing a pivotal role in expanding the reach and accessibility of NAMI Chicago’s peer support groups by partnering with trusted community organizations throughout Cook County. Reporting to the Director of Community Based Services, this role is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the support group facilitator training program and fostering strong relationships with community partners. This role will lead the facilitation of peer support groups, train community partners in support group facilitation, and provide guidance on outreach, engagement, and program sustainability. The Support Group Manager will ensure the quality and consistency of peer support groups across community-based partner sites while fostering connections to NAMI Chicago’s broader programs and resources. This role also supports grant reporting, particularly for a strategic partnership which encompasses the NAMI Chicago Helpline, healthcare engagement initiatives, and support groups. This position requires a dynamic leader committed to mental health advocacy and meaningful community engagement.   

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

Support Group Management & Growth: 

• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for support group facilitators, equipping them with the skills to lead impactful groups. 
• Train and mentor identified individuals from partner organizations to facilitate peer support groups, ensuring quality and consistency through ongoing evaluation. 
• Provide continuous coaching and technical assistance to facilitators, fostering skill development and addressing challenges.
• Oversee NAMI Chicago support groups' daily operations and strategic growth, ensuring alignment with best practices.
• Establish and enforce policies and procedures to maintain a high-quality, consistent support group experience. 
• Create and manage a structured feedback system to enhance group dynamics and participant outcomes. 
• Monitor and assess support group quality, implementing improvements based on facilitator feedback and participant engagement. 
• Ensure availability during group hours to provide real-time facilitator support. 
• Provide resource navigation and linkage support, connecting group participants with NAMI Chicago programs and community support.

Grant Management & Compliance: 

• Collaborate with program leadership and the Program Evaluation Senior Manager to ensure program compliance with grant objectives, deliverables, and programmatic outcomes. 
• Oversee grant reporting, ensuring accurate documentation and timely submission in alignment with compliance requirements. 

Partner Collaboration & Community Engagement 

• Manage collaborative relationships with community-based organization (CBO) grant subrecipients, providing oversight, support, and guidance to meet grant goals. 
• Facilitate regular check-ins with CBO partners to assess progress, address challenges, and share best practices. 
• Assist partners with marketing efforts to promote support group attendance using local outreach strategies. 
• Ensure participant connection to the Helpline and other NAMI Chicago programs by collaborating with community partners. 
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand NAMI Chicago support group offerings through strategic community outreach and partnerships. 
• Represent NAMI Chicago at community events, meetings, and other public forums to raise awareness of support groups and services.

Requirements

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Strong leadership and team management skills. 

Excellent verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal skills.

Strong project management skills to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Strong public speaking and facilitation skills for leading support groups and training sessions. 

Strong advocacy skills to promote awareness and engagement in mental health services. 

Proficiency in designing and delivering training. 

Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. 

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

Ability to navigate group dynamics and address challenges in peer support settings. 

Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills for real-time problem-solving. 

Experience in de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed approaches. 

Knowledge of mental health services, particularly within community-based settings and in facilitating group sessions. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and virtual collaboration tools (Zoom, Teams). 

Experience with CRM, case management, or data tracking systems for program reporting. 

Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed. 

Ability to travel throughout Cook County. 

Commitment to NAMI Chicago’s mission and values, with a strong dedication to advancing mental health support in the community. 

Qualifications and Requirements: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public health, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program management, mental health services, community engagement, or a related field. Experience with grant management and compliance is highly desirable.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency Microsoft applications and other software routinely used by NAMI Chicago. 

Available Benefits: 

• Company sponsored wellness activities.
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits. 
• Company sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance and Long-Term Disability.
• 401k Retirement plan.
• Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Short Term Disability Coverage.
• Generous PTO.

Annual Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000/year

NAMI Chicago is an inclusive employer, we welcome and encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ , Veterans, Differently Abled, Returning Citizens and All Who Are Dedicated to Mental Health to Apply.

Salary : $60,000 - $65,000