Peer Recovery Support Specialist
FRIEND HEALTH · Chicago, IL · 3 days ago
On-siteOTHR$18/hrFull-time
Job Summary
The Peer Support Specialist uses their personal experience with recovery from substance use and/or mental health disorders to support others on their recovery journey. They work closely with clients and clinical staff to provide mentorship, guidance, and resources that promote wellness, resilience, and empowerment.
Job Duties
- Build trusting relationships by offering personal recovery experiences, encouragement, and hope.
- Help clients access housing, healthcare, education, and recovery-related resources.
- Support clients in setting recovery goals and tracking their progress.
- Act as a client advocate and empower self-advocacy.
- Lead or co-facilitate peer recovery groups and support sessions.
- Conduct outreach to engage disconnected clients and provide recovery information.
- Maintain accurate documentation in line with agency and regulatory standards.
- Attend ongoing training to stay informed of best practices in peer support.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Lived experience with sustained recovery (minimum 1 year) from substance use, mental health, or co-occurring disorders.
- Certification as a CRSS or CPRS (or willingness to obtain within 1 year of hire).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries.
- Demonstrated empathy, problem-solving ability, and cultural awareness.
- Experience working in diverse and multidisciplinary teams preferred.
Physical Requirements
- The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to ten pounds.
Employment Conditions
- This job description is to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the duties as described. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate commensurate to the position.
- This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Friend Health - HRDI reserves the right to change this job description and /or assign tasks deemed as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly Rate: $18.00
- Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contributions
- Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Mileage reimbursement for travel
Working Conditions
- Occupational Risk For Exposure To TB
- Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols.
Employment Type
- Equal Opportunity Employer
- Reasonable Accommodations for Qualified Individuals with Disabilities
- Pay Transparency Law Compliance
Join Our Team!
At Friend Health – HRDI, we believe that healing is strengthened by hope, connection, and community. As a Peer Support Specialist, you'll bring your lived experience to a mission-driven team committed to recovery and wellness. If you're passionate about helping others thrive and want to make a difference—this is your place. Join us and be part of a team that empowers change every day.