What are the responsibilities and job description for the MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST I position at illinois?
Job Requisition ID: 54591
Opening Date: 04/29/2026
Closing Date: 05/12/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (26921)
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Effective 7/1/26) $5,834 - $8,307 per month ($70,008 - $99,684 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
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 the Additional Documents section 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 position MUST apply 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 Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist I for the Madden Mental Health Center located in Hines, Illinois to serve as the State Hospital (SH) Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist (MHRSS), functioning as a patient’s Liaison to his/her SH Treatment Team regarding identified service issues. Coordinates and facilitates SH wellness activities. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates consumer study/survey data. Collaborates with the SH Clinical Director and other SH Clinical leadership in representing the SH to community groups. Provides information regarding patient/family service needs and expectations to SH staff. Attends statewide and community meetings. Participates in the statewide Recovery Services Development Group (RSDG).
Essential Functions
- Serves as a State Hospital’s (SH) Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist (MHRSS).
- Coordinates and facilitates SH wellness activities.
- Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates patient study/survey data gathered from Recovery Rounds and Patient Satisfaction Surveys.
- Collaborates with the SH Clinical Director and other SH Clinical leadership staff in representing the SH to community groups requesting information concerning mental health issues, wellness and recovery.
- 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
- One (1) year 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 utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
- 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: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm and Wed: 12:00pm-8:00pm; 30-minute unpaid lunch
Administration Building
Headquarter Location: 1200 S 1st Ave, Hines, Illinois, 60141
Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery
Madden Mental Health Center
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Health Services; Social Services
About the Agency:
The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.
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://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com