Family Peer Support Specialist

Description

Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Clinical Support Manager

Office Location: 224 W Hill St Suite 410, Chicago IL; required in-office minimum of 3 days per week (hybrid work policy subject to change). This role may require commuting to various hospitals or community-based agencies within the Chicagoland area.

Background

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey. NAMI Chicago seeks to fill gaps in Chicago's mental health system, with an intentional emphasis on serving underrepresented populations and breaking down barriers to care. NAMI Chicago believes in and legitimizes the power of lived experience, recognizing it as equally essential to recovery and wellness as any other modality.

Who We Are Looking For

The Family Peer Support Specialist supports NAMI Chicago’s mission by providing relatable guidance to individuals and family members in the community. The Family Peer Support Specialist will utilize a trauma-informed, strengths-based model of support to foster and promote recovery and wellness with each participant served. The Family Peer Support Specialist will engage with individuals living with a mental health condition and support family members through in-person and virtual meetings as well as through peer support group facilitation. Utilizing non-judgment, genuine connection, and acceptance, the Family Peer Support Specialist offers understanding, validation, and a sense of community for family members who are on the journey with their loved one living with a serious mental illness.

Responsibilities

• Provide telephonic support, education, and information to families of those experiencing active mental health crisis and/or severe mental illness.
• Serve as an advocate for family members as they navigate different phases of their loved one's mental health journey.
• Share lived experience navigating the mental healthcare system alongside loved one as relevant to families for relatable guidance.
• Facilitate weekly family peer support group and lead trainings for families.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Support Manager and Peer Support Manager on additional support groups and trainings for families
• Exemplify NAMI Chicago’s team approach by participating in case review, supporting coworkers, and attending scheduled trainings.
• Maintain intake notes, agency resource records, and documentation using NAMI Chicago’s database system.
• Communicate proactively with members of the Clinical Support Team about shared caseload and provide weekly updates to staff.
• Engage in supervision with the Peer Support Manager and collaborate with peer support specialists across other teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinical Support Manager and other members of the leadership team.
  
  

Requirements

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate ability to serve underrepresented and vulnerable populations, including social and racial/ethnic minorities as well as those living with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders.
• Exhibit sensitivity and empathy regarding human service issues and project a non-judgmental attitude towards those requiring assistance.
• Ability to think innovatively about programming and take initiative to develop programming with the support of Clinical Support Manager based on community needs.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and ability to navigate client record management tool.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification preferred; completion or progress towards completion of coursework required. If you are not currently in the process of CRSS certification, NAMI Chicago will provide guidance for obtainment within 18 months.
• Firsthand experience supporting someone with a mental health condition.
• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and mental healthcare system.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
  
  

Available Benefits

• Company sponsored wellness activities.
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits.
• Company sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance and Long-Term Disability.
• 401k Retirement plan.
• Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Short Term Disability Coverage.
• Generous PTO.
  
  

Base Rate: $24/hour

NAMI Chicago is an inclusive employer, we welcome and encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ , Veterans, Differently Abled, Returning Citizens and All Who Are Dedicated to Mental Health to Apply.