McHENRY – A well-known pastor, the Rev. Jim Swarthout, was hired by the mental health agency Rosecrance for outreach work in local and regional churches.

Swarthout, 58, joined Rosecrance’s marketing team in a full-time, paid position. He will offer mental health resources to congregations in the northern Illinois from Winnebago County to Lake Michigan.

The position was tailor-made for Swarthout, Rosecrance spokeswoman Judy Emmerson said. He started in October and will be based at the Rosecrance McHenry County site in McHenry.