Peer Support Specialist - Community Outreach Intervention Projects, School of Public Health

Peer Support Specialist – Community Outreach Intervention Projects, School of Public Health Location: Chicago, IL USA Requisition ID: 1041311

FTE: 1

Work Schedule: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Shift: Days Number of Positions: 1 Workplace Type: On‑Site Posting Close Date: June 11, 2026 Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $26.15 – $26.66 per hour About the University of Illinois Chicago UIC is a large urban public research university serving over 34,000 students. It is a Minority Serving Institution and offers a range of health sciences programs with strong research and community engagement. UIC is the largest employer in Chicago and maintains a commitment to student success, diversity, and community partnership. This position is eligible for benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Duties & Responsibilities Conduct outreach to market services and engage community members with serious mental illness and substance use disorder Provide information to service clients at every phase of recovery, reentry, chronic health, and behavioral health management Collaborate with professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments Assist clients in identifying interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses and coach them to develop a plan Develop relationships with community groups and agencies in partnership with others in the agency Actively identify and support linkages to community resources that support clients’ goals and interests Identify barriers to full participation and develop strategies to overcome them Maintain contact with clients to ensure ongoing success and provide re‑engagement support as needed Maintain client and program records and prepare reports and logs Perform other duties and special projects as assigned Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. One year of lived experience in sustained recovery and reentry relevant to the position, including experiences with incarceration, chronic health management, mental/behavioral health, or substance abuse. At least eighteen months of work experience comparable to the Peer Support Assistant series. Valid, current Certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling (CADC) or a Recovery Support Certification. Valid, current State of Illinois driver’s license and proof of insurance at the time of appointment. Preferred Qualifications Spanish‑language proficiency. Certification in Peer Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or community health. Knowledge of peer support service principles. Knowledge of community resources. Administrative and clerical skills (file management, data entry, etc.). Computer literacy and use of electronic equipment. Knowledge of business and management principles relevant to resource planning and teamwork. Strong active‑listening and communication skills. Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities. Organizational skills and accurate record keeping. Time‑management and prioritization. Independent judgment and teamwork abilities. Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, including people with disabilities and veterans, in compliance with all state and federal employment mandates. The university provides accommodations for applicants and employees. The use of AI tools may be included in the screening process. Illinois residency is required within 180 days of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Illinois Chicago