CTA Crisis Intervention- Peer Support Specialist

MISSION/VISION Healthcare Alternative Systems (H.A.S.) provides a continuum of multicultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) behavioral care and social services that empower individuals, families, and communities. H.A.S. seeks to implement sustainable programs that benefit society by improving the well-being and recovery efforts of those individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health problems. With eleven locations across the Chicagoland area, H.A.S. provides services and resources to individuals at every stage in their behavioral/recovery journey so that they can be successful and become contributing members of their communities.

JOB SUMMARY The Peer Support Specialist provides crisis support services to individuals experiencing accessing services in and around the CTA Blue Line Station Logan Square – Jefferson Park locations who are living with serious mental health illness and/or substance use disorder. The Peer Support Specialist will lead in initiating engagement to individuals experiencing an active crisis. The peer support specialist will work alongside the mental health clinician and team leader to complete crisis safety plans, wellness and recovery action plans and provide referrals and other resources as needed.

Provides crisis support and intervention to individuals on the designated CTA route and in and around the CTA Blue Line Station locations.

Provides crisis support with a trauma-informed approach along with motivational interviewing.

Shares own experiences of recovery with mental illness and/or substance use, when clinically appropriate, as a motivator in assisting participants in recovery process.

Shares own experiences of recovery with mental illness and/or substance use, when clinically appropriate, as a motivator in assisting participants in recovery process.

Assists in the development of wellness and recovery action plans, as needed.

Provides brief resource and service navigation for participants who may be experiencing homelessness, income insecurity, domestic violence, or other social service needs.

Participates in regular outreach activities, including canvassing the community, tabling at community events, and collaborating with other HAS outreach teams.

Ensures all documentation is completed and entered in the database for record tracking.

Provides crisis services with the goal of prevention, intervention, and immediate stabilization.

Attends and participates in Group Supervision meetings.

Participates in agency-sponsored training, agency meetings, community outreach events, health fairs, fundraising events, etc.

Maintains long-term stable recovery.

Obtains and maintains state certification.

Performs all other duties as assigned by the Program Team Leader, Director, or Executive Team.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS At HAS, we value our employees and offer a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. When you join our team, you’ll receive:

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)13 Paid Holidays – Enjoy time off to rest and recharge

Comprehensive Health Insurance – Affordable HMO, PPO, and HSA options through Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental & Vision Coverage – Choose from HMO or PPO dental plans and vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Medical, dependent care and commuter

Retirement Plan – 403(b)
Life & Disability Insurance Education & Training Support - $200 dollars annual

Voluntary BenefitsEAPREQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES Personal experience in the recovery process required. At least two (2) years in stable recovery preferred.

Good oral and written communication skills.

Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.

Willingness to work in the community and in the office.

Bilingual (English/Spanish), preferred.

Flexible to adapt to schedules and workload to the needs and demands of the program.

Possession of a valid Illinois motor vehicle operator’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle in course of employment, including the transport of program participants as needed.

Ability to use the computer or willingness to be trained.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Must possess a High School…