Peer Support Specialist (Chicago Ave.)
About The Position
Are you a compassionate professional looking to serve communities in need? At Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) , we’ve been a trusted provider of healthcare and mental wellness services in Chicago for over 50 years, operating across 14+ locations. We’re looking for dedicated individuals eager to make an impact in behavioral health, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention. Join our mission-driven team and enjoy affordable benefits. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Peer Support Specialist primary responsibility is to engage, guide, and assist individuals in the recovery process inclusive of pre-initiation, during treatment, and post treatment. The PSS acts as a liaison and coordinates services and resources beyond clinical treatment such as education, employment, healthcare, and social engagement to support services.
Requirements
- Personal 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.
- 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.
- H.A.S. requires all staff to work onsite.
- Ability to use the computer or willingness to be trained.
- Must possess a High School Diploma or its equivalent.
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) – Required
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Responsibilities
- 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 teams
- Ensure 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 by Program Supervisor.
- Work closely with Outreach Specialist to coordinate care participants
- Work within the community meeting participants in different locations to assist in finding resources for various life domains including housing, education, transportation, leisure activities, etc.,
- Develop short and long-term recovery plans with program participants.
- Have regular meetings and conduct weekly recovery checkups with participants regarding their recovery process.
- Works with team to determine what services will best to assist participants in recovery process and to achieve participant goals.
- Complete WRAP for each participant in caseload.
Benefits
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 13 Paid Holidays
- Comprehensive Health Insurance – Affordable HMO, PPO, and HSA options through Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Dental & Vision Coverage – Choose from HMO or PPO dental plans and vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Medical, dependent care and commuter
- Retirement Plan – 403(b)
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Education & Training Support - $200 dollars annual
- Voluntary Benefits
- EAP
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
