Peer Support/Engagement Specialist PT

DuPage County Health Department; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

DuPage County Health Department seeks a Peer Support/Engagement Specialist for Crisis Services. This weekend role (Fri-Sun, 7:00 am–3:00 pm) involves responding with a two-person team to mental health crises, engaging clients, de-escalating situations, and coordinating care with clinicians.

Requires two years in behavioral health or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and personal vehicle. A CRSS credential within one year is required; prior lived experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in the behavioral health field or equivalent training/experience.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with individuals in crisis and support recovery.
• Willingness to disclose lived experience to benefit clients; driver’s license and own reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Respond to mental health crises as part of a two-person team.
• Assist in de-escalation and coordinate with clinical staff.
• Establish rapport and engage clients throughout crisis programs.
• Maintain documentation within established timeframes using Electronic Client Records.
• Participate in team meetings and emergency response activities.

Skills

Crisis response

De-escalation

Engagement

Recovery experience

Documentation

Team coordination

Emergency response

Confidentiality

Job description

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Your skills, experience, and passion are needed on our team. We are looking for a new team member to join us working as a Peer Support/Engagement Specialist in our Crisis Services programs, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Crisis services staff work as a team to deliver quality care, and a quick response to residents in need. Click Crisis Services to learn more about our program. Salary may increase based on experience.

Our Crisis Recovery Center has been identified as one of DuPage County's "Smartest Workplaces -2026"

https://www.choosedupage.com/news/dupage-countys-smartest-workplaces-2026/

Our accredited crisis recovery center is dedicated to delivering exceptional services and support to our community, proudly holding: The American Association of Suicidology Certification.

• Responds in the community to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis as a member of a two-person response team. Referral sources may include individuals or their family members, law enforcement, hospitals, schools, for all ages in our community.
• Assists in de-escalation of clients experiencing a mental health crisis through engagement with client and coordination with team members providing clinical intervention.
• Establish rapport, share experiences, and strengthen engagement with the individual experiencing the crisis throughout all Crisis Programs.
• Willingness to self-disclose personal lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery (or both) for the benefit of supporting the individuals’ receiving services.
• Role model positive recovery behaviors with clients in Crisis Programs.
• Provides skill building and case management to clients with high need.
• Maintains required training, licensure and/or certification.
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to client privacy laws.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures.
• Adheres to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality.
• Completion of required documentation within established timeframes, through use of an Electronic Client Record
• Participates in team meetings to assess clients’ progress.
• Participates in emergency response activities as assigned.

Two years of experience in the behavioral health field, including active participation in the recovery process; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. This role requires you to have a valid driver's license, along with your own personal vehicle that is reliable to drive while working in this role.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Position requires individual with lived experience and will need to obtain the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential within one year of hire. The CRSS is a credential for those who provide mental health or co-occurring mental illness and substance use recovery support to others. A person with the CRSS credential uses unique insights gained through personal recovery experience.

As it is a requirement of the role, please see the following sites for more information about the CRSS credential, including the application process:

• https://www.illinoismentalhealthcollaborative.com/consumers/consumer_crss.htm
• http://www.iaodapca.org/credentialing/recovery-support-specialist/
• http://www.iaodapca.org/jobs/post-a-job/