Recovery Support Specialist-HOME

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

LSSI is hiring a full-time Peer Recovery Support Specialist for the HOME Program, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Responsible for working closely with individuals experiencing homelessness and who may be experiencing serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders to enhance their recovery and be responsible for care coordination activities. Peer support services will be provided to individuals and groups and is informed by a person’s positive lived recovery experience.

Benefits and Perks:

LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience and licensure.
• Salary $20-$22/Hourly.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!
  
  

Essential Functions:

• Reaching out to, engaging with unhoused individuals, and providing support throughout a person’s journey from homelessness to housing.
• Provide individualized, ongoing guidance, coaching and support, including offering encouragement in in times of crisis and stress to eliminate potential barriers to ongoing recovery.
• Provide training in the use of personal and community resources, assist in developing formal and informal community supports, and assist clients in increasing social support networks of relatives, friends and/or significant others.
• Advocate on behalf of clients, including protecting the clients' rights and assisting in reducing associated stigma.
• Provide high quality care coordination for LSSI’s clients and ensure increased engagement and access to the care they want and need using a person-centered, family-centered, recovery-oriented approach.
• Clearly and accurately document individual and group peer support activities.
• Document activities with client in Electronic Health Record in a timely manner and meet weekly productivity requirements.
  
  

Position Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED
• Peer certification (including, but not limited to: CRSS, RSS, CRPS) or ability to attain one within 18 months from employment start date.
• Lived recovery experience with homelessness, serious mental illness, and/or a substance use disorder.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Active reflective listening: ability to engage, motivate and de-escalate.
• Excellent communication, organization, presentation and PC/computer skills (including proficiency with Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with and respect differences of opinion, beliefs, culture, appearances and ways of life.
• Ability to establish trusting, hopeful relationships with clients and their families.
• Strong collaboration skills.
• Driving may be required to meet with clients in the community and internal/external meetings.
• Valid state driver’s license in good standing is required.
• If driving for work, requires valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage.
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.