Peer Support Specialist (CDPH)

Rincon Family Services is one of the largest providers of high-quality, culturally competent services in the Chicagoland area, focusing on counseling, crisis intervention, substance use prevention and treatment, violence prevention, education, case management, and community and family services. We are dedicated to promoting quality of life by advocating, educating, and empowering individuals and their families.

About the role

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a member of Rincon Family Services' multidisciplinary behavioral health team, playing an essential role in supporting individuals on their recovery journey through peer support, outreach, engagement, and community-based services. The PSS utilizes lived experience, when appropriate, to foster hope, resilience, and self-determination while promoting recovery-oriented, person-centered, and trauma-informed care.

Working under the City of Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Mental Health Expansion Initiative, the PSS engages individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges by reducing barriers to care, increasing access to community resources, and encouraging meaningful participation in treatment and recovery services. The role involves collaboration with Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs), therapists, case managers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to improve participant engagement, continuity of care, and overall wellness. Services are provided in agency offices and throughout the community.

Responsibilities

• Service Delivery
  • Establish trusting, respectful, and supportive relationships with participants through recovery-oriented peer support.
  • Utilize lived experience, when appropriate and within professional boundaries, to promote hope, resilience, and recovery.
  • Support participants in identifying personal strengths, wellness goals, and recovery objectives.
  • Encourage self-advocacy, self-determination, and participant empowerment throughout the recovery process.
  • Reinforce recovery plans and treatment goals established in collaboration with the multidisciplinary treatment team.
  • Promote healthy coping strategies, resilience, and independent living skills.
  • Encourage participant engagement and retention in behavioral health services and recovery activities.
  • Provide emotional support and encouragement while respecting each participant's unique recovery journey.
• Care Coordination and Resource Linkage
  • Connect participants to behavioral health, primary care, housing, employment, education, transportation, financial assistance, food resources, and other community-based services.
  • Assist participants in navigating healthcare systems and community resources.
  • Collaborate with internal and external providers to promote continuity of care and improve participant outcomes.
  • Encourage follow-through with referrals, appointments, and recommended services.
  • Support participants in addressing social determinants of health that may impact recovery and overall well-being.
  • Advocate for participant access to culturally responsive and equitable services.
• Community Engagement
  • Conduct outreach activities to increase awareness of behavioral health services within the community.
  • Participate in community outreach events, educational workshops, health fairs, and other engagement activities.
  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, and social service agencies.
  • Assist individuals in overcoming barriers to behavioral health treatment and community services.
  • Promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma through education and community engagement.
  • Support participant recruitment, outreach, and engagement efforts consistent with grant objectives.
  • Foster relationships that improve access to behavioral health services among underserved populations.
• Supervision and Oversight
  • Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case consultations.
  • Collaborate effectively with therapists, Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs), case managers, supervisors, and community partners.
  • Communicate participant progress, barriers, and resource needs while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Participate in regularly scheduled supervision and performance meetings.
  • Maintain positive working relationships that promote integrated, participant-centered care.
• Documentation and Compliance
  • Complete timely, accurate, and thorough documentation in the agency's electronic health record in accordance with agency standards.
  • Ensure documentation complies with agency policies, funding requirements, accreditation standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
  • Maintain participant confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 (when applicable), and agency privacy policies.
  • Participate in grant reporting, quality improvement initiatives, audits, and program evaluation activities.
  • Report concerns related to participant safety, confidentiality, or compliance in accordance with agency policy.
  • Maintain accurate records that support grant performance measures and program outcomes.
  • Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to Corporate Compliance policies regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security.
  • Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners’ and outside providers’ patient confidentiality agreements.
• Professional Development
  • Complete all funder, agency, and other regulatory body required trainings, including topics like state administrative rules, sexual harassment, fraud waste and abuse, mandated reporter, clinical courses, diagnosis, and other requirements.
  • Complete all training required to maintain any licenses or certifications relevant to the position and/or grant.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Willingness to work with individuals with co-occurring disorders (mental health/substance use).
• Must pass pre-employment background checks, including clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
• Full-time use of a properly licensed and insured automobile with a valid driver’s license, or independence in travel arrangements.
• Good listening, communication, and case management skills.
• Ability to tailor communication styles to make all clients and support structures feel safe and respected.
• Understanding of the basic behavioral health needs common to the community areas being served, including co-occurring disorders, and how to support recovery.
• Knowledge of internal and external community, medical, and supportive services.
• Ability to adapt, connect, and collaborate across differences.
• Ability to work effectively with peers, individual clients, and groups.
• Desire to learn new skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork efficiently and effectively.
• Must adhere to the agency’s non-discrimination policies.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous PTO (Paid time off) – accrue up to 21 days in Year 1, with some PTO carryover allowable.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• Certain employees may qualify for City of Chicago commuter transit benefits.

Pay

$38,000 – $48,000 per year.

Schedule

This position is scheduled to be available 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Work Environment

Physical Demands: The PSS must be able to travel, primarily within the community for hospital discharges, outreach, and engagement activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees are responsible for informing their supervisor of any invisible disability or medical restriction that limits physical capability.

Work Environment: The role involves duties at agency offices and within the community. Staff must demonstrate flexibility and independence in coordinating travel arrangements, including the use of public transit, rideshare services, or other accommodations to ensure timely and effective mobility.

Fluency in Spanish and bicultural applicants are strongly preferred.