Peer Support Specialist (Austin)

INSTITUTE FOR NONVIOLENCE CHICAGO POSITION TITLE: Peer Support Specialist REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago’s mission is to end the cycle of violence using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles and teachings of nonviolence. Informed by a philosophy of nonviolence, Nonviolence Chicago will establish caring and sustained relationships with participants engaged in the cycle of violence. We will emphasize partnerships with community members, leaders, social service providers, and local law enforcement to reduce community levels of violence. We will help create a safer, healthier environment for young adults, youth, and their families. These general approaches will be specifically addressed using major methods: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) / Street Outreach, Individualized Service Provision, Victim Support Services, and Nonviolence Training. POSITION OVERVIEW The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago is currently seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join the Behavioral Health and Wellness team. This position will be responsible for providing direct peer support services to a caseload of participants and staff struggling with the impact of trauma and community violence. This position may also be responsible for co‑facilitating Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) groups with frontline staff in participant programming. Additionally, this position will assist with development and implementation of Institute for Nonviolence Chicago’s staff wellness initiative, with a specific focus on infusing peer support services into organizational policies and procedures. The ideal candidate for this role is someone who has first‑hand experience utilizing behavioral health services to address trauma, has demonstrated commitment to the values and mission of Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, and has a passion for “healing the healers.” ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Peer Support for Participants (50%) Complete behavioral health intakes as needed, maintain progress notes and other relevant program data and record keeping as necessary in a timely manner Maintain small caseload of individual participants who meet target criteria and conduct peer support sessions Facilitate referrals and warm handoffs for participants in need of external behavioral health services as needed Assist with facilitation of process and skill‑building groups with participants, survivor support groups and other groups as assigned Provide presentations and trainings to staff and community partners as needed Assist with the development and integration of trauma‑informed policies, practices, and services for Institute for Nonviolence Chicago participants Conduct outreach to community providers, families, and significant others to gather additional information for behavioral health and wellness service planning Provide services in a culturally humble and responsive manner Additional duties as required by Associate Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness Employee Behavioral Health and Wellness (35%) Participate in interdisciplinary wellness committee responsible for development and implementation of staff wellness programming Assist with development and implementation of peer support wellness services for staff Collaborate with CORNERS, UIC, and other research partners in evaluation of staff wellness programming as needed Be available to provide emotional support to Institute for Nonviolence Chicago staff related to shooting responses and other on‑the‑job trauma exposure Assist with the development and integration of trauma‑informed policies and practices to enhance program effectiveness Complete relevant program data and record keeping as necessary in a timely manner Assist with facilitating process groups, presentations, and trainings to staff and community partners, including CBI Provide services in a culturally humble and responsive manner Additional duties as required by Associate Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) Cofacilitation (15%) Under the direction of Associate Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness, assist with delivery of CBI for Nonviolence groups with participants in FLIP, HOPE, and/or Workforce Development programming Lead CBI groups for participants in a trauma‑informed manner with co‑facilitation support from frontline staff; model appropriate group facilitation skills Work with program staff to tailor CBI curriculum to best fit population served and align with other program content QUALIFICATIONS BS in a Human Services field (e.g., sociology, social work) or minimum three years work experience working for a social service organization At least 3 years experience supporting and working with in‑risk youth and street‑involved youth At least 3 years experience working with people from various ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds as both colleagues and clientele Working knowledge of principles of trauma recovery and trauma‑informed care 1 year experience facilitating groups, workshops, or trainings preferred Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution skills, and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing Experience with crisis intervention Experience documenting case notes At least 1 year of experience working on a multidisciplinary team preferred At least 1 year experience developing and retaining relationships with other service providers preferred Knowledge of Chicago and communities with histories of violence Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Bilingual English‑Spanish a plus No pending criminal cases Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, and good driving record Passing a drug screening and background check is required prior to being hired SALARY/BENEFITS Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $48,000 and is commensurate with experience. Institute for Nonviolence Chicago puts our people first with a top‑of‑the‑line benefits package. Competitive/commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Competitive benefits package available, including Health, Life, and 401K. Institute for Nonviolence Chicago -- EEO Statement Institute for Nonviolence Chicago provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr