CHW/ Peer Support Specialist

MISSION/VISION

Healthcare Alternative Systems (H.A.S.) provides a continuum of multicultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) behavioral care and social services that empower individuals, families, and communities. H.A.S. seeks to implement sustainable programs that benefit society by improving the well-being and recovery efforts of those individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health problems. With eleven locations across the Chicagoland area, H.A.S. provides services and resources to individuals at every stage in their behavioral/recovery journey so that they can be successful and become contributing members of their communities.

JOB SUMMARY

The CHW/ Peer Recovery Specialist provides crisis services to participants. The crisis team operates out of the Living Room to provide crisis services on a 24/7 basis. CHW/Peer Recovery Specialist use their personal experience to engage with participants, 18 years and older, to de-escalate the crisis, complete a risk assessment and connect participants to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, etc. services as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Consults and collaborates as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Conducts outreach and education to individuals who are in need of health care and social services to increase utilization of the health care system.

• Serves as community liaison and maintain relationships between HAS and the community sources.

• Facilitates referrals and transitions within systems of care on behalf of participants.

• Assists participants with obtaining access to health care and supportive services, including coordinating medical care with providers and facilitating appointments.

• Assists participants with navigating through systems of health care and social services and provides for public transportation.

• Assists participants with maintaining relationships with care providers for follow-up screenings and treatment and supporting adherence to program follow-up.

• Assists participants through peer support and frequent communication/follow-up utilizing a harm reduction approach.

• Completes accurate reports as required.

• Participates in meetings, conferences and committees as assigned.

• Provides basic advocacy, assessment, planning and casework services.

• Assists staff in collaborating with community health and social service providers and partner agencies to identify barriers and service gaps.

• Provides education, information and referrals to clients; locate, identify, and utilize new social services and resources.

• Maintains a case load of participants as required.

• Maintains current knowledge of general health and wellness information, insurance coverage, and available services and resources.

• Maintains the highest level of client confidentiality, in person and in practice

• Researches community and recovery resources for all participants.

• Assists in the ongoing development of recovery plans of action.

• Shares own experiences of recovery with mental illness and/or substance use, when clinically appropriate, as a motivator in assisting participants in recovery process.

• Understands different philosophies and approaches to mental illness, substance use treatment, and harm reduction.

• Assesses and provides support for information and appropriate referrals; internal and external.

• Provides brief resource and service navigation for participants who may be experiencing homelessness, income insecurity, domestic violence, or other social service needs.

• Participates in regular outreach activities, including canvassing the community, tabling at community events, and collaborating with other HAS outreach teams.

• Ensures all documentation is completed and entered in the database for record tracking.

• Provides crisis intervention for all active participants and first-time walk-ins.

• Completes crisis assessments using a client-centered and trauma-informed approach along with motivational interviewing.

• Provides crisis services with the goal of prevention, intervention, and immediate stabilization.

• Creates safety plans, as needed.

• Assists in determining a need for an involuntary petition, additional psychiatric assessments, or other emergency services.

• Collaborates with CPD and other community entities to receive phone and in-person referrals.

• Maintains cleanliness of facility by cleaning up after participants leave.

• Attends and participates in assigned training and professional development opportunities.

• Participates in supervisions, team meetings, agency meetings and agency fundraising efforts.

• Responsible for creating and facilitating communication, group topics, and activities for participants.

• Maintains long-term stable recovery.

• Obtains and maintains state certification.

• Responds to all correspondence promptly.

• Will be crossed trained as needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned by Program Supervisor.

Comprehensive Benefits at Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS)

At HAS, we value our employees and offer a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. When you join our team, you’ll receive:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 13 Paid Holidays – Enjoy time off to rest and recharge

• Comprehensive Health Insurance – Affordable HMO, PPO, and HSA options through Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Dental & Vision Coverage – Choose from HMO or PPO dental plans and vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Medical, dependent care and commuter

• Retirement Plan – 403(b)

• Life & Disability Insurance

• Education & Training Support - $200 dollars annual

• Voluntary Benefits

• EAP

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of assigned community and its residents.

• Basic knowledge of state social service agencies and community resources.

• Basic knowledge of health education, motivational strategies and an empathetic manner working with the underserved.

• Basic knowledge of healthcare systems.

• Ability to work with other members of the healthcare team and community to provide quality health care services.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written.

• Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite skills.

• Ability to work with vulnerable populations in a non-judgmental manner.

• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Must be able to multi-task, have initiative and be self-directed.

• Ability to endure periods of heavy workload.

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.

• Must be flexible with hours to accommodate participant needs.

• Experience working with a high volume of clients in a fast-paced environment is preferred.

• Personal experience in the recovery process required. At least two (2) years in stable recovery preferred.

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.

• Willingness to work in the community and in the office.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish), preferred.

• Flexible to adapt to schedules and workload to the needs and demands of the program.

• Possession of a valid Illinois motor vehicle operator’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle in course of employment, including the transport of program participants as needed.

• H.A.S. requires all staff to work onsite.

• Ability to use the computer or willingness to be trained.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Must possess a High School Diploma/GED.

• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) – obtained within one (1) year from date of employment is required.

• Must obtain IM-CAT certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.