PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

4734 W. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60651
or
5001 W Fullerton Ave,
Chicago, IL 60639
Full-time, non-exempt
Hourly Rate: $17.00-$22.00
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.
Shifts Available: 12 am- 8am, Sunday-Thursday

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• 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.
• H.A.S. requires all staff to work onsite.
• Ability to use the computer or willingness to be trained.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a High School Diploma or its equivalent.
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) – Required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary 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.

EEO

It is the policy of H.A.S. not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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.

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST 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.

SITE-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.