Recovery Support Specialist - Drop-In Center

Job Scope

Actively contribute as a peer support counselor to offer a community based, member driven drop-in center that offers recovery focused support, advocacy, leisure and enrichment activities to persons living with mental illness and disabilities who desire to engage fully in community life.

Primary Responsibilities

• Engage drop in members in actively using the center to increase level of community integration.
• Aid peer support supervisor in planning and implementing drop-in center activities.
• Provide and coordinate a range of activities aimed at engaging and motivating members living independently in the Northwest Suburbs.
• Travel assistance and transportation.
• Participate in Kenneth Young Center Mount Prospect Drop-in Member Advisory Council.
• Provide supportive peer counseling utilizing personal experience to establish a warm and empathic connection with members and as needed, their families/significant others.
• Facilitate leisure group activities.
• Promote opportunities for clients to build natural systems of support within their communities through exposure to recreational, spiritual, educational, vocational, volunteer and civic activities.
• Work with members to develop personal Wellness Action Recovery Plans.
• Regularly consult with other Team members including Community Support Team, Employment services, ACT, and IRG, to address specific member issues and coordinate care strategies.
• Work cooperatively with other Center teams/staff to maintain smooth transitions and effective continuity of care.
• Assist in development and maintenance of local community resources and groups (NAMI, AA etc.). Recovery literature, on-line materials/websites to support members.
• Participate in supervision as directed.
• Participate in team and other agency meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor.
• Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Center policies and procedures.

General Competencies

• Promote positive image of KYC with all contacts (customers).
• Exhibit high quality work.
• Be a productive member of the staff.
• Demonstrate cooperation.
• Take the initiative to act on own.
• Use excellent judgment.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully.
• Make use of supervision.
• Contribute to development of a culture of care.

Core Competencies

• Show awareness of issues affecting adults with chronic mental illness.
• Show skill in the use of motivational interviewing and engaging clients in self directed care.
• Show a working knowledge of community resources that enhance recovery.
• Show a certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification or (course work completed and able to obtain certification within 12 months of hire).
• Show a working knowledge of community resources that enhance recovery.

Special Competencies

• Show awareness of issues affecting adults with chronic mental illness.
• Show skill in the use of motivational interviewing and engaging clients in self directed care.
• Show a working knowledge of community resources that enhance recovery.
• Show a certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification or (course work completed and able to obtain certification within 12 months of hire).
• Show a working knowledge of community resources that enhance recovery.

Education, Experience And Other Requirements

• Preferred: Bachelors from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology or a related discipline and a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification or (course work completed and able to obtain certification within 12 months of hire).
• Equivocal experience to a Bachelor's in one of these helping professions will also be considered.
• One to two years’ experience working with individuals recovering from serious and persistent mental illness providing case management and community support preferred.
• One year experience working in non-traditional community settings i.e.: Drop in, senior center, special recreation program.
• Basic computer proficiency, knowledge of Word and Internet skills.
• Applicant must have a valid IL Driver’s License, valid auto insurance, and access to a well maintained/insured vehicle.

Work Environment

This job operates primarily in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, use eyes to see and scan the environment. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms; bend or stoop as necessary. Employee is occasionally required to carry, move, or transport health records or other objects weighing as much as 25lbs while conducting group and individual therapy sessions.

Travel

While performing the duties of this position, the employee travels by automobile and is exposed to changing weather and road conditions. The employee is required to drive the KYC owned passenger van to and from client homes and to various sites in the community and surrounding areas. Employee may also be required to attend occasional meetings/trainings in and around KYC’s catchment area.

Chain of Authority

Reports to Drop-In Center Peer Support Supervisor

Schedule/Timekeeping

Full-time, Hourly, Non-exempt, 37.5 hours per week. Must be prepared to work a flexible schedule in response to the needs of the target population served, including evening and/or weekend hours. Timekeeping – Accurately record hours worked in the electronic timekeeping system (on a daily basis when possible) in accordance with the timekeeping policy and practice.