Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) Peer Support Specialist provides peer-based crisis support and recovery services as a member of the multidisciplinary Mobile Crisis Response Team. Drawing upon lived experience, recovery principles, and trauma-informed practices, the Recovery Support Specialist engages individuals and families experiencing behavioral health crises by offering hope, advocacy, emotional support, resource navigation, and connection to ongoing services in Iroquois County.

Working alongside the Crisis Clinician, the Peer Support Specialist helps build trust, reduce barriers to care, promote self-determination, and support successful recovery following a behavioral health crisis. Services are delivered in homes, schools, healthcare settings, and other community locations in accordance with Illinois Administrative Code Part 590, Rule 132, Medicaid requirements, CARF standards, and organizational policies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Current Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential in good standing.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated lived experience consistent with Illinois certification requirements.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the Iroquois County service area.
• Successful completion of required background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing peer support in behavioral health, crisis response, substance use treatment, community mental health, or recovery services.
• Knowledge of community resources, recovery-oriented systems of care, and behavioral health service coordination.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates proficiency in recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care, crisis support, de-escalation techniques, and peer engagement strategies. Utilizes strong communication, advocacy, empowerment, and resource navigation skills while maintaining cultural humility, professional boundaries, ethical standards, and effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. Maintains accurate documentation and demonstrates knowledge of regulatory requirements, including Illinois Part 590, Rule 132, Medicaid, CARF, and organizational standards. Demonstrates technological proficiency, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiency, with the ability to effectively use technology and adapt to changing needs and circumstances.

Essential Responsibilities

Peer Recovery Support

• Establish trusting relationships using lived experience and recovery-oriented practices.
• Provide hope, encouragement, emotional support, and practical assistance during behavioral health crises.
• Promote self-determination, resilience, and individual strengths.
• Model recovery principles and healthy coping strategies.
• Assist individuals in identifying personal goals and recovery supports.

Mobile Crisis Response

• Respond with the Mobile Crisis Response Team to behavioral health crises throughout the service area.
• Assist with engagement, rapport building, and de-escalation during crisis interventions.
• Support individuals and families in understanding available treatment options and recovery resources.
• Participate in post-crisis follow-up contacts to encourage ongoing engagement in services.
• Assist with transportation coordination and community resource linkage when appropriate.

Resource Navigation and Advocacy

• Connect individuals with behavioral health treatment, substance use services, peer support, housing resources, employment services, financial assistance, transportation resources, healthcare providers, and other community supports.
• Help individuals navigate behavioral health and community systems.
• Advocate for equitable access to services and reduce barriers to ongoing care.
• Encourage participation in recovery supports and community-based services.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Crisis Clinician and other members of the multidisciplinary crisis team.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, case consultation, and debriefings.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while using lived experience therapeutically.
• Support a culture of collaboration, recovery, inclusion, and continuous quality improvement.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
• Data collection for performance measures.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Comply with Illinois Administrative Code Part 590, Rule 132, Medicaid requirements, CARF standards, and organizational policies.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and program evaluations.

Professional Development

• Maintain active Illinois CRSS or CPRS certification.
• Complete all required continuing education and mandatory training.
• Demonstrate ongoing competency in recovery support, trauma-informed care, crisis engagement, cultural responsiveness, and ethical peer practice.
• Participate in professional development opportunities that strengthen peer support and crisis response skills.

Full-Time Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid vacation, paid sick days, and holidays
• Retirement plan
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Pay Range: $45,000- $48,000 annually

Working Conditions

This position combines office, community, and field-based work with an office in Watseka. Employees routinely provide services in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, community settings, and other locations throughout the Iroquois County service area. Work includes exposure to unpredictable environments and individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Evening, weekend, holiday, and on-call responsibilities are required. Vehicle provided by IMHC.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to travel independently throughout the Iroquois County service area and perform the physical demands of the position, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. Requires effective verbal and written communication skills, the ability to exercise sound clinical judgment, remain calm under pressure, and manage multiple priorities in fast-paced and high-stress situations. Must successfully complete all required background checks, maintain required credentials, and comply with IMHC’s drug-free workplace and personnel policies.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $48,000