Peer Support Specialist

MISSION/VISIONHealthcare Alternative Systems (H.A.S.) provides a continuum of multicultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) behavioral care and social services that empower individuals, families, and communities. H.A.S. 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, H.A.S. 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 Recovery Specialist provides crisis services to participants within the communities. Peer Recovery 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 DUTIESResearches community and recovery resources for all participants.Assists in the ongoing development of recovery plans of action.Shares own experiences of recovery with mental illness and/or substance use, when clinically appropriate, as a motivator in assisting participants in recovery process.Understands different philosophies and approaches to mental illness, substance use treatment, and harm reduction.Assesses and provides support for information and appropriate referrals; internal and external.Provides brief resource and service navigation for participants who may be experiencing homelessness, income insecurity, domestic violence, or other social service needs.Participates in regular outreach activities, including canvassing the community, tabling at community events, and collaborating with other HAS outreach teams.Ensures all documentation is completed and entered in the database for record tracking.Provides crisis intervention for all active participants and first-time walk-ins.Completes crisis assessments using a client-centered and trauma-informed approach along with motivational interviewing.Provides crisis services with the goal of prevention, intervention, and immediate stabilization.Creates safety plans, as needed.Assists in determining a need for an involuntary petition, additional psychiatric assessments, or other emergency services.Collaborates with CPD and other community entities to receive phone and in-person referrals.Maintains cleanliness of facility by cleaning up after participants leave.Attends and participates in assigned training and professional development opportunities.Participates in supervisions, team meetings, agency meetings and agency fundraising efforts.Responsible for creating and facilitating communication, group topics, and activities for participants.Maintains long-term stable recovery.Obtains and maintains state certification.Responds to all correspondence promptly.Will be crossed trained as needed.Performs other duties as assigned by Program Supervisor.Comprehensive Benefits at Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS)At 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: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 BenefitsEAPREQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIESPersonal experience in the recovery process required. At least two (2) years in stable recovery preferred.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, including the transport of program participants as needed.H.A.S. requires all staff to work onsite.Ability to use the computer or willingness to be trained.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEMust possess a High School Diploma/GED.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. #J-18808-Ljbffr