Peer Engagement Specialist

One Hope United; Vernon (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Paid vacation days

Paid personal days

Paid sick days

Mental Health Day

Health benefits

Job summary

One Hope United seeks an Engagement Specialist to support the Crisis Care service team and community residents in crisis. You will engage, advocate for, and link individuals and families to crisis-stabilizing resources, maintaining direct working relationships and follow-up.

The role requires crisis response, collaboration with partners, and flexibility to work outside regular hours. A strong commitment to equitable access to mental health resources is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in crisis intervention is a plus.
• Lived experience with mental health or substance abuse services is valued per funder requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis response during on-call rotation within established timeframes.
• Engage, advocate for, and support individuals and families during crises.
• Engage with community partners and coordinate referrals and resources.
• Maintain accurate written documentation of interactions and services provided.
• Work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Transport individuals safely when required and follow safety guidelines.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Community engagement

Advocacy

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma / GED

Job description

Engagement Specialist

The Engagement Specialist works as a team member, supporting the Crisis Care service team and individuals in the community experiencing a crisis. The team consists of Supervisors, Crisis directors, therapists, case managers, MHP, QMHP, and individuals in crisis.

The Engagement specialist will provide crisis response services, engage, advocate for, and support individuals and families during crises, and maintain a direct working relationship with them, including follow-up and community linkage to support crisis stability.

Job Duties Include:

• Provides crisis response during on-call rotation within the required response timeframe
• Response to the crisis will occur in person, by phone, in the office, or via video per approved service delivery by program and or supervisor
• Must be able and willing to work outside of regular office hours, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Requires demonstrated ability to work constructively with clients, other providers, and the community
• Requires knowledge of community resources for referral purposes
• Requires understanding and ability to put into practice the Mental Health Code and the Confidentiality Act
• Requires understanding and the ability to put into practice applicable agency policies and procedures
• Must be able to engage and work effectively with individuals involved in a mental health crisis, substance abuse crisis, or other identified community crisis
• Works cooperatively with other agencies, community partners (local law enforcement, hospitals, schools, etc). Must be able to interact professionally with court personnel, therapists, medical personnel, law enforcement, and all other professionals that may be encountered
• Works jointly with other disciplines to arrange services beyond the scope of practice for a peer engagement specialist
• Must be able to observe and submit accurate written documentation regarding any interaction, providing service
• Must be responsible, organized, personable, and be able to work independently
• Must be able and willing to transport individuals (adults and children) while following program safety guidelines
• Must be reliable and flexible to the program's needs

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma / GED

Experience

• Engagement/home visiting experience desired
• Funder-required lived experience as a consumer of mental health or substance abuse services
• Funder-preferred 3 yrs post-lived experience

Other

• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and acceptable driving record with OHU required levels of coverage for auto insurance
• Community resource experience preferred

We Invest in You!

• Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
• Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days, up to 6 paid Personal Days, up to 5 paid Sick days annually, and a Mental Health Day.
• Medical, dental, vision, 403b Retirement, flexible spending accounts, and health savings account.
• Agency paid life and ADD up to $50K based on salary
• Multiple Voluntary Supplemental plans for Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren)
• Voluntary Legal Plans and Pet Insurance.
• The agency paid long-term disability and short-term disability.
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities

A Different Kind Of Employer

• 800+ talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois and Florida
• Fiscally stable, $70 Million agency- strong since 1895
• Energetic leadership and a rich community of support

One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. OHU participates in E-Verify.

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