Peer Support Specialist

FRIEND HEALTH; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

EAP

Job summary

Friend Health – HRDI is seeking a compassionate Peer Support Specialist to provide mobile, community-based outreach and non-clinical peer support through Crisis Program 591. You will engage individuals in crisis, help reconnect them with behavioral health and recovery services, and promote continuity of care.

Working with crisis staff, hospitals, treatment providers, and community partners, you will conduct follow-up outreach, coordinate transportation, and support warm handoffs to internal

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred.
• One year of experience providing community outreach, peer support, behavioral health, crisis intervention, case management, or related human services preferred.
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) preferred.
• Must be eligible to obtain CRSS certification within one year of hire.
• Knowledge of community resources and organizations serving behavioral health and substance use needs.
• Ability to engage individuals experiencing crisis, instability, or reluctance to participate in services.
• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced community settings.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use electronic documentation systems.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance.
• Must be eligible to obtain CRSS certification within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mobile outreach, community canvassing, and follow-up engagement.
• Engage high emergency department utilizers, post-overdose individuals, and people disconnected from care.
• Complete non-clinical Outreach Triage Assessments and required documentation.
• Follow referrals through final disposition and document all outreach attempts.
• Build rapport and encourage participation in behavioral health and recovery services.
• Assist individuals with accessing treatment, benefits, housing, and other community resources.
• Accompany individuals to appointments and provide practical, recovery-oriented support.
• Coordinate transportation to intake, assessment, and treatment appointments.
• Facilitate warm handoffs to internal programs and community providers.
• Maintain relationships with hospitals, first responders, referral sources, and community partners.
• Participate in Program 591 meetings, training, supervision, and quality-improvement activities.
• Follow crisis-program safety procedures while working in community settings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Peer support

Community outreach

Crisis intervention

Communication

Documentation

Time management

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's in Social Work/ Psychology/ Human Services

Tools

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Peer Support Specialist provides mobile, community-based outreach and non-clinical peer support through HRDI's Crisis Program 591. Using recovery-oriented principles and lived experience, when applicable, this position engages individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, recovering from an overdose, frequently utilizing emergency services, or at risk of becoming disconnected from care.

The Peer Support Specialist conducts follow-up outreach, builds trusting relationships, addresses barriers to treatment, and helps individuals connect or reconnect with behavioral health, substance use, medical, and community-based services. Working closely with crisis staff, emergency departments, treatment providers, and community partners, this role promotes continuity of care, supports recovery, and helps reduce avoidable emergency service utilization.

Job Duties

• Conduct mobile outreach, community canvassing, and follow-up engagement.
• Engage high emergency department utilizers, post-overdose individuals, and people disconnected from care.
• Complete non-clinical Outreach Triage Assessments and required documentation.
• Follow referrals through final disposition and document all outreach attempts.
• Build rapport and encourage participation in behavioral health and recovery services.
• Assist individuals with accessing treatment, benefits, housing, and other community resources.
• Accompany individuals to appointments and provide practical, recovery-oriented support.
• Coordinate transportation to intake, assessment, and treatment appointments.
• Facilitate warm handoffs to internal programs and community providers.
• Maintain relationships with hospitals, first responders, referral sources, and community partners.
• Participate in Program 591 meetings, training, supervision, and quality-improvement activities.
• Follow crisis-program safety procedures while working in community settings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Full-Time Peer Support Specialist

• Day Shift: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Part-Time Peer Support Specialist

• Overnight Shift: 7:00 PM–7:00 AM

Schedules may include weekends and holidays based on program needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• One (1) year of experience providing community outreach, peer support, behavioral health, substance use, crisis intervention, case management, or related human services preferred.
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) preferred.
• Must be eligible to obtain Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification within one year of hire.
• Knowledge of community resources and organizations serving individuals with behavioral health and substance use needs.
• Ability to engage individuals experiencing crisis, instability, or reluctance to participate in services.
• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced community settings.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use electronic documentation systems.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance.
• Must be eligible to obtain Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification within one year of hire.

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

• Mobile, community-based position requiring frequent travel throughout assigned service areas.
• Work may occur in participants’ homes, hospitals, shelters, community settings, and other field locations.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, and occasionally lifting or carrying approximately 25–50 pounds.
• May encounter individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, substance use, homelessness, or other unstable situations and must follow established safety protocols while conducting community outreach. Must follow all organizational safety, infection-control, and crisis-response procedures.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Rate: $22.11

Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Occupational Risk For Exposure To TB

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position involves extensive community and patient contact. Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols. The only acceptable exceptions to this requirement are documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline TB testing will be required to wear a mask when deemed necessary.

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our Team

At Friend Health – HRDI, we are committed to improving the lives of those we serve by offering compassionate, recovery-oriented support. Join us in breaking down barriers and helping individuals reconnect with care and community. Be part of something impactful.