Certified Recovery Support Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) plays a vital role in supporting individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Utilizing their lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, the CRSS provides peer-based support, facilitates individualized recovery planning, and models effective self-care and coping strategies. This role is community-focused, emphasizing outreach, resource navigation, and empowerment to help individuals achieve their recovery and wellness goals.

Location: Orland Park, IL

Hours: Monday through Friday; all 3 shifts available (rotation weekend and holidays)

Pay: $47,500-58,000 commensurate of experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide compassionate peer support to individuals in mental health crisis situations.
• Respond to crisis calls with their partner and work as a team
• Occasionally work alongside law enforcement and other community agencies
• Collaborate with individuals to develop a personalized recovery plan that ensures safety and comfort.
• Teach and model effective problem-solving techniques, methods for identifying and combating negative self-talk, and approaches to overcoming fears.
• Assist participants in identifying personal strengths, recovery goals, wellness objectives, and barriers, and help determine appropriate interventions.
• Serve as a role model for recovery by demonstrating effective coping techniques, self-help strategies, and self-care practices.
• Participate in relevant trainings, seminars, and meetings to continuously improve peer support practices.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to assess and respond to high-risk indicators.
• Conduct outreach and assist participants with connecting to community-based resources and services.
• Provide follow-up support to ensure continuity of care and engagement with services.
• Complete all necessary documentation

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong empathy, active listening, and communication skills with an ability to build trust and rapport.
• Ability to engage and support individuals with diverse backgrounds and complex needs.
• Skilled in facilitating group discussions and peer-led recovery or support groups.
• Knowledge of community resources and services related to mental health, substance use, and recovery.
• Comfortable using technology to complete documentation, communicate with team members, and access resources.
• Capacity to remain calm and supportive in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries while maintaining a peer-centered approach.
• Non-judgmental mindset and commitment to promoting hope, recovery, and empowerment.
• Public speaking and advocacy skills to promote recovery-oriented services and education.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to navigate computer systems, use Microsoft office and Adobe.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Manual dexterity for using computers, phones, tablets, and other business equipment.
• Physical ability to adjust or set up equipment, which may include bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, or using a stepstool.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lived experience as a consumer of mental health or substance use services (required).
• GED or high school diploma (required); additional education a plus.
• CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) certification or willingness to obtain.
• WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) certification or willingness to complete training.
• Valid driver's license and current automobile liability insurance (including uninsured motorist coverage).
• Ability to pass all pre-employment background checks.
• Prior experience working with developmentally disabled individuals (adults and/or children) is a plus.
• Teaching experience and/or experience facilitating peer groups is highly desirable.
• Completed CRSS program and have obtained the CRSS certificate from the state (required).

DISCLAIMER:

Duties and responsibilities may change, and new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.