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 Peer Recovery Specialist provides crisis services to participants within the Belmont Cragin, Avondale, and Hermosa communities. The crisis team operates out of the Living Room to provide crisis services on a 24/7 basis. 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.

24/7 Living Room with 3 shifts available (8 am – 4 pm, 4 pm – 12 am, and 12 am – 8 am). Weekends also operate in 3 shifts. Full and part-time shifts available.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for searching and locating community and recovery resources for all participants.

• The Peer Support Specialist assists in the ongoing development of recovery plans of action.

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

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

• Assess and provide support for information and appropriate referrals; internal and external.

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

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

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

• Must attend and participate in assigned trainings and professional development opportunities.

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

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

• The Peer Support Specialist must maintain long term stable recovery.

• The Peer Support Specialist must be able to obtain and maintain state certification.

• Promptly respond to all correspondence.

• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Supervisor.

• SITE-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Complete crisis assessments in the Living Room using a client-centered and trauma-informed approach along with motivational interviewing.

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

• Create safety plans as needed.

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

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

• Maintain the Living Room cleanliness by cleaning up after participants leave.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Personal experience in the recovery process required. Prefer a two-year minimum in stable recovery.

• 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.

• 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 or its equivalent.

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

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.