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 will 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 Peer Support Specialist supports NAMI Chicago’s mission by sharing their own recovery story and providing relatable guidance to individuals and family members impacted by mental health conditions. The Peer Support Specialist will also play a pivotal role in engaging participants in a court-ordered program designed to ensure consistent community-based care. . Through in-person and virtual meetings, as well as through peer support group facilitation, the Peer Support Specialist will utilize a trauma-informed, strengths-based model of support to foster and promote recovery and wellness with each participant served. . Utilizing non-judgment, genuine connection, and acceptance, the Peer Support Specialist offers understanding, validation, and a sense of community for individuals who are living with a serious mental illness.

Responsibilities

• Provide support, education, and information to individuals experiencing active mental health crisis and/or severe mental illness.
• Provide emotional support, guidance, and motivation to help participants stay engaged with care recommendations and plan, including those outlined as part of the AOT program
• Work closely with program participants to facilitate recovery goals, encourage active participation in care plans, helping individuals build a sense of hope, empowerment, and self-efficacy
• As relevant, share recovery story and lived experience navigating the mental healthcare system for relatable guidance.
• Facilitate peer support groups and lead trainings for individuals and/or families.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Support Manager and Peer Support Manager on additional support groups and trainings for individuals and 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.
• Attend weekly virtual court session with case managers for individuals engaged with Assisted Outpatient Treatment.
• 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.
• Willing to work in a diverse environment in regards to race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and gender
• Exhibit sensitivity and empathy regarding human service issues and project a non-judgmental attitude towards those requiring assistance.
• Strong organizational, collaborative, and problem solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and ability to navigate client record management tool.
• Candidate will have firsthand knowledge/experience living with a mental health condition
• Understanding of local mental health resources
• 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.
• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and mental healthcare system.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English encouraged to apply.
• Ability to travel throughout the Greater Chicago area.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with daily access to vehicle. Must have $100,000/$300,000 auto liability insurance
  
  

Available Benefits

• Company sponsored wellness activities.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from any community case management needs.
• 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.
• Building access to amenities including gym, sauna, and outdoor pool.
• Generous PTO including 14 paid holidays (includes 2 “Self-Care Holidays” scheduled annually), Wellness Days, and Personal time.
  
  

Pay: From $26.00 per 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.