What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Recovery Support Specialist Intern position at Community Counseling Centers of Chicago Inc?
Title: Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Internship
Position Type: Internship
Department: Specialized Services
(PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN UNPAID INTERNSHIP)
Who we are:
C4 was founded in 1972 to help people released from psychiatric hospitals into the Uptown and
Edgewater communities stabilize in the community. Since that time, C4’s service area has expanded to rekindle hope for individuals and families on Chicago’s north and west sides, remaining committed to community-level, system-focused interventions; C4 always seeks to avoid restrictive levels of care and maximize families’ agency to lead their recovery, allowing them to heal in their homes and community.
C4 is the leader in building hope and breaking down barriers – from the personal to the systemic - for Chicago’s systematically disadvantaged communities through the delivery of effective, empirically supported, and trauma-informed mental health services. C4 seeks to equip 7,000 individuals annually to help them move from trauma to living, to working and thriving within their community.
Our Mission - Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4), a behavioral health advocate and social service provider, offers quality, comprehensive customer-oriented services tailored to the diversity of its consumers.
Our Vision - Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) will be, and will be recognized as, essential to the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Philosophy - C4 believes that people recovering from mental illness and emotional trauma are able to live, work and thrive in the community.
Internship Overview
The CRSS Internship provides hands-on experience for individuals pursuing a career in peer recovery support services. Interns will provide expertise from own personal experience in recovery from mental illness and/or substance abuse to benefit the individuals served by helping promote a culture that recognizes, understands, and respects each client's point of view, experiences, and preferences. Encourage use of community resources and services. Act as a liaison between client and ACT staff. Articulate C4's mission and vision.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide peer support to individuals in recovery through mentorship and advocacy.
- Assist in developing and implementing recovery plans based on individual goals.
- Facilitate peer-led support groups and educational workshops.
- Help individuals navigate resources such as housing, employment, and healthcare services.
- Document client interactions in accordance with organizational policies and confidentiality guidelines.
- Collaborate with clinicians, case managers, and other team members to support holistic recovery.
- Attend training and supervision meetings to enhance professional development.
- Promote self-advocacy and empowerment among program participants.
- Adhere to ethical policies
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications
- Enrolled in or completed a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) training program.
- Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery and willingness to share recovery journey as appropriate.
- Strong communication and active listening skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
- Knowledge of recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction strategies.
- Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience facilitating peer support groups or working in a recovery-oriented setting.
- Familiarity with community resources and behavioral health services.
Internship Benefits
- Hands-on experience in a professional peer support setting.
- Supervised training and mentorship opportunities.
- Potential for employment upon successful completion of the internship.
- Networking with professionals in the mental health and recovery field.
Competencies (Minimum Skills, Knowledge, and Experience):
- Ability to be respectful of the diverse cultures of the people served and to provide culturally appropriate, competent and individualized support according to each client's age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs and culture
- Comfort with self-disclosure
- Ability to use appropriate behavior management techniques
- Understanding of personal and professional boundaries
- Time and stress management skills
- Communication skills to include interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills
- Conflict resolution and diplomacy skills
- Computer literacy
- Problem solving skills