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Jobs · OTHR · Illinois

Peer Engagement Specialist (CRSS) - South Side

Thresholds · Chicago, IL · 1 mo ago
OTHR$25.5–$30.58/hrFull-time

About the Role

Use your lived experience with mental health recovery to connect with and support people in crisis. As a Peer Engagement Specialist on Thresholds’ Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), you will respond to mental health crises on the south side of Chicago, acting as an alternative to or in conjunction with hospitalization or police response.

Each shift, you will answer calls to our crisis hotline and conduct a quick yet robust safety assessment to determine the appropriate response. If a face-to-face intervention is necessary, you and a Crisis Worker will meet the caller at home, their workplace, or another community location. Together, you will assist the person in crisis with the least restrictive intervention possible—from walking someone through a panic attack to assisting with hospitalization.

As the peer professional, you will build rapport by sharing your personal recovery experiences. Community interventions occur year-round in all weather conditions, and the team may distribute basic necessities such as first aid items, water, or warm clothes. After responding to the crisis, you will offer follow-up support based on the client’s needs and document the services provided.

During downtime between calls, you will have opportunities for professional development through self-directed projects and community outreach efforts. The culture at Thresholds is collaborative and supportive, providing tools and resources for optimal client care. Training and professional development, including clinical supervision, will deepen your knowledge in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices, setting you up for career growth within the organization.

Responsibilities

  • Answer crisis hotline calls and conduct safety assessments to determine the appropriate response.
  • Provide face-to-face interventions in the community, often paired with a Crisis Worker, using the least restrictive approach possible.
  • Build rapport with individuals in crisis by sharing your lived experience with mental health recovery.
  • Distribute basic necessities (e.g., first aid items, water, warm clothes) to individuals in crisis as needed.
  • Offer follow-up support to clients based on their needs and document services provided.
  • Engage in professional development and community outreach during downtime between calls.
  • Work in all weather conditions and traverse long distances or multiple flights of stairs as required.

Requirements

  • Lived and living experience with personal mental health recovery.
  • Passion for mental health advocacy.
  • Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and writing skills.
  • Good time management and organizational abilities.
  • At least 23 years old.
  • Valid driver’s license (daily access to a vehicle preferred).
  • Willingness to obtain CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) within 1 year of hire.
  • Ability to work assigned schedule (see available shifts below).
  • Ability to remain stationary for prolonged periods and occasionally traverse long distances or multiple flights of stairs.

Qualifications

Many education and experience paths are eligible for this role:

  • High school diploma or GED certificate and willingness to obtain CRSS.
  • High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience.
  • Active CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) credential.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
  • Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience.
  • Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.

Schedule

  • Peer Engagement Specialist 1: Sunday–Thursday, 7:00am–3:30pm
  • Peer Engagement Specialist 3: Friday–Saturday, 7:00am–3:30pm; Sunday–Tuesday, 3:00pm–11:30pm
  • Peer Engagement Specialist 4: Tuesday–Saturday, 3:00pm–11:30pm
  • Peer Engagement Specialist 8: Monday–Friday, 11:00pm–7:30am

Pay

Competitive salary range: $25.50 – $30.58 per hour, based on education, experience, and licensure.

Benefits

  • Generous paid time off (PTO).
  • Dental, vision, and three medical insurance plans.
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
  • Robust employee assistance program (EAP).
  • Mileage reimbursement.
  • Public service loan forgiveness.
  • Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC).

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