CTA- Peer Support Specialist(CRSS)

Healthcare-Alternative-Systems,-Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Dental & vision

FSA

Retirement plan

Education support

EAP

Job summary

Healthcare-Alternative-Systems, Inc. in Chicago seeks a Peer Support Specialist to deliver crisis support and engage individuals living with serious mental health illness and/or substance use disorders along the CTA Blue Line corridor.

You will collaborate with clinicians to create safety plans, wellness strategies, and connect people to resources. The role requires bilingual English/Spanish abilities, personal recovery experience, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Must possess High School Diploma/GED.
• CRSS certification obtained within one year of employment.
• Personal experience in the recovery process is required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis support and intervention to individuals on the designated CTA route and nearby locations.
• Lead crisis engagement, develop wellness and recovery plans, and provide referrals and resources.
• Document all interactions in the database and participate in supervision meetings.
• Engage in outreach activities such as canvassing and community events to connect participants with services.
• Maintain trauma-informed approach and support rehabilitation and recovery goals.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Crisis intervention

Excellent communication

Motivational interviewing

Education

High School Diploma/GED

CRSS certification within 1 year

Job description

MISSION/VISIONHealthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) 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, HAS 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*Monday-Friday 9am-5pmThe Peer Support Specialist provides crisis support services to individuals experiencing accessing services in and around the CTA Blue Line Station Logan Square – Jefferson Park locations who are living with serious mental health illness and/or substance use disorder. The Peer Support Specialist will lead in initiating engagement to individuals experiencing an active crisis. The peer support specialist will work alongside the mental health clinician and team leader to complete crisis safety plans, wellness and recovery action plans and provide referrals and other resources as needed.Provides crisis support and intervention to individuals on the designated CTA route and in and around the CTA Blue Line Station locations.Provides crisis support with a trauma-informed approach along with motivational interviewing.Shares own experiences of recovery with mental illness and/or substance use, when clinically appropriate, as a motivator in assisting participants in recovery process.Assists in the development of wellness and recovery action plans, as needed.Provides brief resource and service navigation for participants who may be experiencing homelessness, income insecurity, domestic violence, or other social service needs.Participates in regular outreach activities, including canvassing the community, tabling at community events, and collaborating with other HAS outreach teams.Ensures all documentation is completed and entered in the database for record tracking.Provides crisis services with the goal of prevention, intervention, and immediate stabilization.Attends and participates in Group Supervision meetings.Participates in agency-sponsored training, agency meetings, community outreach events, health fairs, fundraising events, etc.Maintains long-term stable recovery.Obtains and maintains state certification.Performs all other duties as assigned by the Program Team Leader, Director, or Executive Team.ESSENTIAL DUTIES:*NOTE: YOU WILL BE ON THE BLUE LINE TRAINS AND PLATEFORMS*Monday - Friday 9am to 5pmPersonal experience in the recovery process required. At least two (2) years in stable recovery preferred.Bilingual (English/Spanish), preferred.Good oral and written communication skills.Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.Willingness to work in the community and in the office.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, including the transport of program participants as needed.Ability to use the computer or willingness to be trained.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEMust possess a High School Diploma/GED.Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) – obtained within one (1) year from date of employment is required.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSSedentary 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. Extended periods of walking/standing.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.COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITSAt HAS, we value our employees and offer a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. When you join our team, you’ll receive:19 Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)13 Paid Holidays – Enjoy time off to rest and rechargeComprehensive Health Insurance – Affordable HMO, PPO, and HSA options through Blue Cross Blue ShieldDental & Vision Coverage – Choose from HMO or PPO dental plans and vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue ShieldFlexible Spending Account (FSA)- Medical, dependent care and commuterRetirement Plan – 403(b)Life & Disability InsuranceEducation & Training Support - $200 dollars annualVoluntary BenefitsEAP