Peer Support - Engagement Specialist AM

Peer Support/Engagement Specialist

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Your skills, experience, and passion are needed on our team. We are looking for a new team member to join us working as a Peer Support/Engagement Specialist in our Crisis Services programs. With the opening of the Crisis Recovery Center in September 2025, the DuPage County Health Department achieved a milestone in building the ideal behavioral health crisis system for our community. We have shifts available on our first shift, Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. This position requires a valid driver's license and use of an automobile as the incumbent travels with the community. Crisis services staff work as a team to deliver quality care, and a quick response to residents in need. As a DuPage County employee, you'll enjoy 12 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, paid sick time, 5 paid personal days and tuition and reimbursement certification to help you continue growing in your career. We also offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave, paid training and orientation. This position is pension-eligible through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), giving you peace of mind with a guaranteed retirement plan. Plus, you may qualify for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program, making your financial future even brighter. Our salary is based on experience and having or obtaining a CRSS certification.

Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference!

Responsibilities

• Primary assignment is on the Substance Use Stabilization Unit, which includes Sobering Care and Withdrawal Management services for adults 18 and over.
• Establishing rapport, sharing experiences, and strengthen engagement with individuals in substance use crisis.
• Assisting in de-escalation of clients experiencing a mental health crisis through engagement with clients and coordination with team members providing clinical intervention.
• Willing to self-disclose personal lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery (or both) for the benefit of supporting the individuals' receiving services.
• Role model positive recovery behaviors with clients in Crisis Programs.
• Provides skill building and case management to clients with high need.
• Maintaining required training, licensure and/or certification.
• Maintaining confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to client privacy laws.
• Demonstrating sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures.
• Adhering to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality.
• Completing of required documentation within established timeframes, through use of an Electronic Client Record
• Participating in team meetings to assess clients' progress.
• Participating in emergency response activities as assigned.

Requirements

Two years of experience in the behavioral health field, including active participation in the recovery process; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. This role requires you to have a valid driver's license, along with your own personal vehicle that is reliable to drive while working in this role. You must also be able to attend our paid, onsite training and orientation. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT: Position requires individual with lived recovery experience and will need to obtain the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential within one year of hire. The CRSS is a credential for those who provide mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental illness and substance use recovery support to others. A person with the CRSS credential uses unique insights gained through personal recovery experience.

Supplemental Information

As it is a requirement of the role, please see the following sites for more information about the CRSS credential, including the application process: