Living Room Manager

About the role

The Living Room Manager serves as the leader on duty for an assigned shift within NAMI McHenry County's 24/7 Living Room Program. This position combines staff supervision, operational oversight, crisis support, quality assurance, and direct service delivery to ensure a safe, welcoming, and recovery-oriented environment for guests and staff.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day supervision and support for Recovery Support Specialists during assigned shifts.
• Serve as the primary leader on duty, ensuring effective program operations and staff coverage.
• Model professionalism, recovery principles, trauma-informed practices, and NAMI's organizational values.
• Conduct shift huddles, debriefings, and warm handoffs between teams.
• Aid in onboarding, orientation, training, and mentoring of new staff.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and support staff development.
• Address workplace concerns and assist with conflict resolution when needed.
• Support employees in pursuing and maintaining professional certifications, including the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of guests, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Maintain the Living Room environment to maintain a calm, welcoming, and therapeutic atmosphere.
• Coordinate staffing coverage and respond to operational issues as they arise.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities for program improvement and operational excellence.
• Aid in the implementation of policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide direct peer support services to individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or co-occurring challenges.
• Support staff during complex or high-acuity situations and provide consultation regarding appropriate interventions.
• Affirm guests in identifying strengths, recovery goals, wellness strategies, and pathways to ongoing support.
• Promote hope, self-determination, recovery, and resilience through peer-based support practices.
• Maintain program fidelity to the Living Room model and trauma-informed principles.
• Review staff documentation to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with program standards.
• Monitor quality and consistency of guest records and data collection.
• Support compliance with organizational policies, funding requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Afford assistance in tracking outcomes, identifying trends, and supporting continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Contribute ideas, feedback, and solutions that strengthen the Living Room Program and NAMI McHenry County as a whole.
• Participate in agency meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two years of experience in behavioral health, peer support, social services, crisis services, recovery support, or a related field.
• Ability to work Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn electronic health record systems and other technology platforms.
• Ability to pass all required background screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or willingness to obtain certification.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or a related field.
• Previous supervisory, team leadership, or shift leadership experience.
• Experience working within crisis response, recovery-oriented, behavioral health, or peer support programs.
• Experience using electronic health record systems.

Desired Attributes

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Commitment to recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to build positive relationships with guests, staff, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, healthy boundaries, and cultural humility.
• Values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

NAMI McHenry County strongly values lived experience with mental health recovery.

Individuals with personal experience navigating mental health or co-occurring challenges are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to utilize a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to remain stationary and/or move throughout the facility as needed to support program operations.

Why Join NAMI McHenry County?

• Help lead one of Illinois' most innovative peer-led crisis response programs.
• Work within a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
• Help shape the future of a rapidly growing organization.
• Access ongoing training, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
• Flexible and mission-driven workplace culture.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Generous PTO and Sick Time.
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance.
• Company-Paid Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cell Phone Reimbursement.
• Four-Week Paid Sabbatical After Five Years of Full-Time Employment.
• Ongoing Professional Development Opportunities.
• Flexible and Mission-Driven Workplace Culture.

NAMI McHenry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.