MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST I

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To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

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Disclosure of Salary Information

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Elgin, IL, US, 60123

Job Requisition ID: 45528

Opening Date: 04/17/2025

Closing Date: 04/30/2025

​Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST I - 26921

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,423 - $8,070 per month ($65,076 - $96,840 per year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Kane

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062

Merit Comp Code:

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This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in theAdditional Documentssection of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

All applicants who want to be considered for this positionMUSTapply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Division of Mental Health is seeking to hire a Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist I for the Elgin Forensic Treatment Center located in Elgin, Illinois. Functions as a patient liaison to Facility Treatment Teams regarding identified service issues. Coordinates and facilitates Facility wellness activities, including the implementation of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates consumer study/survey data. Collaborates with the Facility Quality Manager and other Facility Clinical leadership in representing the Facility to community groups. Provides information regarding patient/family service needs and expectations to Facility staff. Attends statewide and community meetings. Participates in the statewide Recovery Services Development Group (RSDG).

Essential Functions

• Serves as a Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist (MHRSS), functioning as a patient’s liaison to his/her Facility Treatment Team regarding identified forensic service issues.
• Coordinates and facilitates Facility wellness activities, including the implementation of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups and the enhancement of Trauma Informed Care, including the establishment of service enhancements, such as comfort rooms and soothing kits.
• Collaborates with the Facility Quality Manager to review, analyze and evaluate patient study/survey data, utilizing the collected data to identify and highlight trends, patterns and outcomes.
• Collaborates with the Facility Quality Manager and other Facility Clinical leadership in representing the Facility to community groups requesting information concerning mental health issues, wellness and recovery, the empowerment of consumers and families, and recovery-oriented services.
• Provides expertise regarding patient/family service needs and expectations to Facility staff.
• Attends statewide and community meetings for the purposes of informing and representing consumer issues, identifying statewide and Region services and resources and addressing quality of care and/or continuum of care issues.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree in one of the social sciences or related area and one (1) year of experience performing peer support work within a mental health program setting.
• Must be a current or former consumer of mental health services and willing to self-identify.
• Requires evidence of certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience providing recovery-oriented practices and techniques, peer support services and encouraging consumers to adopt wellness practices and goals.
• One (1) year of professional experience articulating personal experience relevant to the obstacles and successes of their own recovery.
• One (1) year of professional experience advocating for patients and family members providing information concerning patient rights and responsibilities.
• One (1) year of professional experience working with policies, procedures and regulations associated with patient rights matters, care and support systems.
• One (1) year of professional experience reviewing, analyzing and evaluating studies/surveys data, utilizing the collected data to identify and highlight trends, patterns and outcomes.
• One (1) year of experience communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• One (1) year of basic proficiency in the use of computers, as well as software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including basic proficiency in the use of computers, as well as software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Requires willingness and ability to articulate personal experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges to promote hope and support others in their recovery journey.
• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday-Friday, 30-minute paid lunch

Work Location: 750 S State St, Elgin, Illinois, 60123

Division of Mental Health

Elgin Mental Health Center

Forensic Services

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Health Services; Social Services

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
  • Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Salary : $65,076 - $96,840