Peer Support Specialist (CDPH

Description

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist (PSS)

Department: Mental Health

Reports to: Mental Health Supervisor

Job Type: Full Time, Salary, Non-Exempt

Job Location: Chicagoland area

Salary Range: $38,000 – $48,000

What began as a small clinic established by young community leaders on the West Side of Chicago in 1972 has grown into one of the largest providers of high-quality and culturally competent services focusing on counseling and crisis intervention services, substance use prevention and treatment, violence prevention, education, case management, community and family services. We are dedicated to rendering compassionate and effective programs to promote the quality of life by catalyzing advocate, educate and empower individuals and their families.

The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) is a member of Rincon Family Services' multidisciplinary behavioral health team and plays an essential role in supporting individuals on their recovery journey through peer support, outreach, engagement, and community-based services. The RSS 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 Recovery Support Specialist 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 RSS collaborates closely 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 while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, cultural humility, confidentiality, and ethical practice.

At Rincon, our commitment to mutual respect, inclusivity, and diversity is woven into the structure of all that we do. We value:

• Dedication
  - Embodying effective and transparent leadership and quality client care.
• Education – Preventative programming and clinical services based on industry standards, competence and outreach.
• Accountability – Consistent service delivery, measurable success, and sensible financial management.
• Advocacy – Empowerment, reduction of treatment stigma, and relationship building with partners.
• Compassion – Embracing culturally diverse communities and equality through sensitivity to individual needs.

With these values in mind, we promote a culture that fosters professional development and agency success. Many of our employees span an extended tenure, and we pride ourselves on developing dedicated and supported team members.

• 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…