Peer Support Specialist (CRSS)

Healthcare-Alternative-Systems,-Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 19 days

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

FSA

403(b) Retirement

Life & Disability Insurance

Education & Training Support

EAP

Job summary

Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) seeks a dedicated Peer Support Specialist to deliver crisis services at the Living Room across Belmont Cragin, Avondale, and Hermosa. You will de-escalate crises, perform risk assessments, and connect participants to mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other supports as needed.

You will locate recovery resources, support recovery plans, share personal recovery experiences when appropriate, and assist with outreach, trainings, and

Qualifications

• Must possess a High School Diploma or its equivalent.
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) – obtained within one year from date of employment is required.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis services to participants 18+, de-escalate crises, perform risk assessments, and connect to mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other services.
• Search and locate community and recovery resources for participants.
• Assist in developing recovery plans of action.
• Share experiences of recovery with participants when clinically appropriate.
• Support information and referrals for homelessness, income insecurity, domestic violence, or other social needs; document in the database.
• Participate in outreach activities and agency meetings; assist with trainings and professional development.
• Create and facilitate communication, group topics, and activities for participants.
• Maintain onsite role and participate in supervision and team meetings.
• Maintain the Living Room and assist with crisis interventions to ensure safety and stabilization.

Skills

Personal recovery experience

Oral and written communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

CRSS within 1 year

Willingness to work onsite

Valid Illinois driver’s license

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

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. HAS 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 SUMMARYThe Peer Support Specialist provides crisis services to participants within the Belmont Cragin, Avondale, and Hermosa communities. The crisis team operates out of the Living Room to provide crisis services on a 24/7 basis. Peer Support Specialist use their personal experience to engage with participants, 18 years and older, to de-escalate the crisis, complete a risk assessment and connect participants to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, etc. services as needed.ESSENTIAL DUTIES*24/7 Living Room with 3 shifts available (8 am – 4 pm, 4 pm – 12 am, and 12 am – 8 am). Weekends also operate in 3 shifts.The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for searching and locating community and recovery resources for all participants.The Peer Support Specialist assists in the ongoing development of recovery plans of action.Share own experiences of recovery with mental illness and/or substance use, when clinically appropriate, as a motivator in assisting participants in recovery process.Understanding of different philosophies and approaches to mental illness, substance use treatment, and harm reduction.Assess and provide support for information and appropriate referrals; internal and external.Provide brief resource and service navigation for participants who may be experiencing homelessness, income insecurity, domestic violence, or other social service needs.Participate in regular outreach activities, including canvassing the community, tabling at community events, and collaborating with other HAS outreach teamsEnsure all documentation is completed and entered in the database for record tracking.Must attend and participate in assigned trainings and professional development opportunities.Participate in supervisions, team meetings, agency meetings and agency fundraising efforts.Responsible for creating and facilitating communication, group topics, and activities for participants.The Peer Support Specialist must maintain long term stable recovery.The Peer Support Specialist must be able to obtain and maintain state certification.Promptly respond to all correspondence.Perform other duties as assigned.SITE-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIESProvide crisis intervention for all active participants and first-time walk-ins.Complete crisis assessments in the Living Room using a client-centered and trauma-informed approach along with motivational interviewing.Provide crisis services with the goal of prevention, intervention, and immediate stabilization.Create safety plans as needed.Assist in determining a need for an involuntary petition, additional psychiatric assessments, or other emergency services.Collaborate with CPD and other community entities to receive phone and in-person referrals.Maintain the Living Room cleanliness by cleaning up after participants leave.REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIESPersonal experience in the recovery process required. Prefer a two-year minimum in stable recovery.Good oral and written communication skills.Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.Willingness to work in the community and in the office.Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.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.HAS requires all staff to work onsite.Ability to use the computer or willingness to be trained.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEMust possess a High School Diploma or its equivalent.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.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