CST Peer Support Specialist

The Link and Option Center, Inc.; South Holland (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Link & Option Center, Inc. is a Joint Commission–accredited outpatient behavioral health clinic serving the Southland region with locations in South Holland and Hazel Crest, IL.

The CST Peer Support Specialist provides direct, community-based mental health support under QMHP supervision and supports clients at risk of hospitalization or disengagement from care. Responsibilities include helping individuals gain independent living skills, access services, and address social determinants of

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years old and able to work under QMHP supervision.
• Experience delivering community-based behavioral health services is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, community-based mental health and recovery support services.
• Assist individuals with daily living skills, medication self-management, and social participation.
• Coordinate services with hospitals, primary care, behavioral health, and social service agencies.

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Assignee South Holland, IL, US

12 days ago Requisition ID: 1030

Salary: $55,000.00 Annually

Reports To: Director of Community Support Team/Mobile Crisis Response Team

Degree Req.: High School Diploma

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $55,000 Annually

The Link & Option Center, Inc. is a Joint Commission–accredited outpatient State Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) serving the far Southside community and designated to serve the Southland region with locations in South Holland and Hazel Crest, Illinois. Founded in 1994, The Link & Option Center, Inc., provides comprehensive behavioral health services including assessment, psychiatry, therapy, crisis services, case management, and care coordination.

The Link & Option Center, Inc., is committed to delivering culturally competent, person-centered care that addresses both behavioral health needs and the social determinants impacting overall well-being. Through early identification, prevention, and treatment, The Link & Option Center, Inc., strives to improve the quality of life and strengthen the communities it serves.

Job Summary

The CST Peer Support Specialist ensures continuity of care for TLOC clients at high risk for psychiatric hospitalization, detainment, or becoming lost to care. Under the supervision of a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and in accordance with Illinois Administrative Code Rule 132, this role provides direct, community-based mental health and recovery support services using a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach. Responsibilities include helping individuals develop independent living skills, achieve treatment goals, access behavioral health and substance support services, and address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including housing, food insecurity, transportation, healthcare, employment, public benefits, and social supports. The Peer Support Specialist collaborates with the treatment team to integrate these needs into care planning, with services primarily delivered in community settings throughout the service area.

Direct Service Delivery

• Provide 60% of individualized, face-to-face rehabilitative services in community settings, including homes, shelters, schools, clinics, and other natural environments
• Be available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week to support the Mobile Crisis Response team for children, adolescents, families and adults to decrease hospitalization and crisis episodes
• Assist individuals in developing skills related to daily living, medication self-management, social interaction, and independent functioning
• Support individuals in managing mental health symptoms, co-occurring substance use disorders, and behavioral health needs through skill-building, medication self-management, recovery support, and coping strategies
• Reinforce treatment goals and interventions identified in the Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP)
• Monitor and report changes in mental health symptoms, substance use behaviors, and overall functioning
• Aid clients and families in addressing their SDOH needs

Engagement and Support

• Complete at least one face-to-face or field-based check-in per week per assigned client
• Use lived experience to build trust and engage clients with serious mental illness and hospitalization, incarceration, or substance use
• Engage individuals who may be reluctant or have difficulty participating in treatment
• Conduct community outreach and engagement to ensure community awareness and utilization of CST services

Crisis Intervention

• Identify early warning signs of behavioral health crises
• Responds to crises situations by providing direction, recommendations, and crises intervention.
• Provide support during crisis situations in coordination with CST and Mobile Crisis Response programs

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated and integrated care
• Coordinate services with external providers, including hospitals, primary care, behavioral health, and social service agencies
• Provide linkage and referrals to substance use disorder (SUD) services, community resources, and community stakeholders
• Assist individuals in securing public entitlements and benefits, including public aid, housing, SSI, and other supportive services

Documentation and Compliance

• Document peer interactions for all client contacts within 24 hours in the TLOC EHR system
• Co-create and support implementation of the WRAP and Crisis Safety Plan
• Monitor and document progress toward treatment goals

Professional Development and Supervision

• Participate in regular supervision with CST Program Director
• Follow clinical guidance and feedback to ensure quality service delivery
• Attend required trainings and participate in weekly CST team meeting

Minimum Qualifications (per Rule 132, Section 140.453)

Provide services under QMHP supervision and meet the following:

• An individual with a high school diploma or GED
• Be at least 21 years of age and demonstrate:
  • Skilled in delivering rehabilitative services to adults or children;
  • Ability to work within an agency structure and accept supervision;
  • Ability to work constructively with clients, service providers, and the community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Personal lived experience with mental health illness or substance abuse and having been in recovery for at least one year
• Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness or emotional disturbance
• Experience with community-based service delivery

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care
• Ability to work independently in community-based settings
• Ability to respond appropriately in high-stress or crisis situations
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse populations

This position requires extensive work in community settings rather than a traditional office environment. The CST Peer Support Specialist will travel regularly to meet individuals in various locations throughout the service area. Flexible scheduling, including evenings or weekends, may be required to meet the needs of individuals served.