Recovery Support Program Specialist

Chestnut Health Systems; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

EAP and wellness resources

Job summary

Chestnut Health Systems in Illinois is seeking a Recovery Support Program Specialist to strengthen recovery-oriented services across Logan and Mason Counties. You will coordinate community programs, trainings, events, and initiatives that support individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges.

The role involves building partnerships, assessing local needs, supporting grant-funded projects, and guiding communities from ideas to action.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in behavioral health, public health, education, or related field with at least two years of related experience.
• Master's degree in behavioral health, public health, education, or related field.
• Active CPS, CRSS, CPRS, or CADC certifications accepted.
• Ten years of lived or professional experience in mental health, substance use services, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate community programs, trainings, events, and recovery-focused initiatives.
• Facilitate community groups, recruit participants, encourage engagement, and maintain communication with members.
• Conduct outreach and build relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and partners.
• Conduct community needs assessments and support program planning and evaluation.
• Develop educational materials, media initiatives, and community awareness efforts.
• Assist with grant and contract work plans and grant budgets.
• Monitor program budgets and provide updates as needed.
• Collect, maintain, and report program and outcome information per requirements.
• Help evaluate programs to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate and conduct trainings and presentations for communities.
• Mentor and support new staff, interns, and partners as appropriate.
• Take leadership on assigned projects and initiatives.
• Participate in local and state advocacy for recovery-oriented systems.

Skills

Recovery knowledge

Community organizing

Public speaking

Curriculum development

Facilitate meetings

Grant management

Data collection/reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Independent work with collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in behavioral health

Master's degree in behavioral health

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)

Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC)

10 years of lived/professional experience

Job description

Overview

Compensation

Starting pay: $21.00 to $22.00 per hour

Serving Logan & Mason Counties

Starting pay is based on experience, qualifications, education, internal equity, and local market conditions.

Chestnut offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports both your career and your well-being, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement with company match, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and career advancement.

Overview

Build connections. Strengthen recovery. Make an impact in your community.

Do you believe recovery happens in communities, not just programs?

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a Recovery Support Program Specialist to help strengthen recovery-oriented services and community partnerships throughout Logan and Mason Counties.

In this role, you'll help coordinate community programs, trainings, events, and initiatives that support individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges. You'll bring people together, build relationships with community partners, assess local needs, support grant-funded projects, and help turn community ideas into meaningful action.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, coordinating projects, facilitating groups, and helping communities develop resources that promote recovery, wellness, and connection.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Make a meaningful impact in communities throughout Logan and Mason Counties.
• Help strengthen recovery supports for individuals and families.
• Build relationships with community organizations, leaders, coalitions, and other partners.
• Coordinate community programs, trainings, events, and educational initiatives.
• Facilitate groups and meetings that bring people together around shared community goals.
• Take leadership on assigned projects while working as part of a collaborative team.
• Use community feedback and data to help identify needs and improve programs.
• Develop your skills in program coordination, community engagement, evaluation, and grant-funded initiatives.
• Join a mission-driven organization that values recovery, hope, respect, empowerment, health, wellness, and connectedness.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Candidates may qualify through one of the following pathways:

Bachelor's Degree Pathway

• Bachelor's degree in behavioral health, public health, education, or another field related to the grant deliverables, with at least two (2) years of related experience.

Master's Degree Pathway

• Master's degree in behavioral health, public health, education, or another field related to the grant deliverables.

Certification & Experience Pathway

Alternatively, candidates may qualify with one of the following active certifications:

• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)
• Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC)

Plus ten (10) years of lived experience or professional experience in mental health, substance use services, recovery support, or related social service fields.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of recovery and community organizing, prevention theory and strategies, and substance use and related research preferred.
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Public speaking experience required.
• Understanding of learning styles and curriculum development helpful.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, trainings, and collaborative community activities.
• Ability to coordinate projects, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to conduct community needs assessments and assist with program evaluation.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to work effectively with community partners and diverse populations.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to use Zoom, databases, and online reporting systems.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and private automobile insurance required.
• Must meet agency requirements for an insurable driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel to schools and other locations throughout the assigned service area.
• Reliable home internet connection required.
• Ability to obtain DCFS CANTS Child Abuse Clearance.

Benefits

Chestnut offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the organization

check out our benefits here!

About Chestnut

Since 1973, Chestnut Health Systems has been improving lives through integrated behavioral health, primary care, substance use treatment, prevention, research, and community partnerships.

Today, more than 800 compassionate employees serve individuals and families throughout Illinois and Missouri. Our interdisciplinary teams deliver trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care that integrates behavioral health, primary care, and community-based services to improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.

At Chestnut, recovery is about more than treatment. It's about creating connections, opportunities, resources, and communities where people can build healthier lives.

Additional Information

Think you'd be a great fit but don't meet every preferred qualification?

Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you meet one of the required qualification pathways and are excited about this opportunity but don't meet every preferred qualification, we encourage you to apply. We'd love to learn more about your experiences and how you can contribute to our mission.

Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

EOE - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate community programs, trainings, events, and recovery-focused initiatives.
• Facilitate community groups and meetings, recruit participants, encourage engagement, and maintain ongoing communication with members.
• Conduct outreach and build positive working relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and other partners.
• Conduct community needs assessments and use findings to support program planning and improvement.
• Develop educational materials, media initiatives, and community awareness efforts.
• Assist with the development of grant and contract work plans and grant budgets.
• Monitor assigned program budgets and provide updates as needed.
• Collect, maintain, and report program and outcome information according to project and funding requirements.
• Help evaluate programs and initiatives to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate and conduct community trainings and presentations.
• Mentor and support new staff, interns, and community partners as appropriate.
• Assume leadership responsibilities for assigned projects and initiatives.
• Participate in local and state advocacy efforts that support recovery-oriented systems and healthier communities.
• Collaborate with Chestnut programs and community partners to strengthen services and community impact.
• Promote recovery-oriented and trauma-informed principles, including hope, respect, empowerment, health and wellness, and connectedness.
• Protect the confidentiality and security of client and organizational information.
• Promote Chestnut's culture of customer service excellence in all interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.