Support Group Manager

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.

Position Summary:

The Support Group Manager supports NAMI Chicagos mission by playing a pivotal role in expanding the reach and accessibility of NAMI Chicagos 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 Chicagos 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.

Key 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

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors degree in social work psychology public health or a related field. A masters 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.

Skills:

• 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 Chicagos mission and values with a strong dedication to advancing mental health support in the community.

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.

Salary Range: $60000 - $70000 per 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.