Certified Recovery Support Specialist- Livingroom

Utilizing their lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) provides peer-based support, facilitates individualized recovery planning, and models effective self-care and coping strategies. This community-focused role emphasizes outreach, resource navigation, and empowerment to help individuals achieve their recovery and wellness goals.

Lived experience as a consumer of mental health or substance use disorder services is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate peer support to individuals in mental health crisis situations.
• 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.
• Participate in the daily upkeep of the Living Room (e.g., assist with cleaning, preparing food, laundry).
• May need to float to Joliet Living Room if staffing coverage is needed.
• Other duties may be assigned based on the needs of the program.

Requirements

• 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 REQUIRED.
• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Physical Demands

• Be able to lift over 40 pounds from floor to waist unassisted.
• Be able to push and pull 75 pounds.
• Be able to complete deep knee squats.
• Remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Operate motor vehicles.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard, reach, stoop, kneel to install computer equipment.
• Physical activities that could be used include: driving, balancing, pulling, pushing, standing, climbing, grasping, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and repetitive motion.

Pay

$44,500 – $51,500 commensurate with experience.

Schedule

10 pm – 8 am

Benefits

• Health, Vision, Dental, and Life insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Paid time off
• Sick time
• Paid Holidays
• Personal Time
• Potential Year-End Bonus
• Financial Assistance Program (Cookie Jar)
• Employee Referral Program (Bounty Bucks)