Certified Recovery Support Specialist

The Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) plays a vital role in supporting individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Utilizing their lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, the CRSS provides peer-based support, facilitates individualized recovery planning, and models effective self-care and coping strategies. This role is community-focused, emphasizing outreach, resource navigation, and empowerment to help individuals achieve their recovery and wellness goals.

Joliet, IL

Monday through Friday; all 3 shifts available (rotation weekend and holidays)

$47, commensurate of experience

• Provide compassionate peer support to individuals in mental health crisis situations.
• Respond to crisis calls with their partner and work as a team
• Occasionally work alongside law enforcement and other community agencies
• Collaborate with individuals to develop a personalized recovery plan that ensures safety and comfort.
• Teach and model effective problem-solving techniques, methods for identifying and combating negative self-talk, and approaches to overcoming fears.
• Assist participants in identifying personal strengths, recovery goals, wellness objectives, and barriers, and help determine appropriate interventions.
• Serve as a role model for recovery by demonstrating effective coping techniques, self-help strategies, and self-care practices.
• Participate in relevant trainings, seminars, and meetings to continuously improve peer support practices.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to assess and respond to high-risk indicators.
• Conduct outreach and assist participants with connecting to community-based resources and services.
• Provide follow-up support to ensure continuity of care and engagement with services.
• Complete all necessary documentation

• Strong empathy, active listening, and communication skills with an ability to build trust and rapport.
• Ability to engage and support individuals with diverse backgrounds and complex needs.
• Skilled in facilitating group discussions and peer-led recovery or support groups.
• Knowledge of community resources and services related to mental health, substance use, and recovery.
• Comfortable using technology to complete documentation, communicate with team members, and access resources.
• Capacity to remain calm and supportive in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries while maintaining a peer-centered approach.
• Non-judgmental mindset and commitment to promoting hope, recovery, and empowerment.
• Public speaking and advocacy skills to promote recovery-oriented services and education.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to navigate computer systems, use Microsoft office and Adobe.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Manual dexterity for using computers, phones, tablets, and other business equipment.
• Physical ability to adjust or set up equipment, which may include bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, or using a stepstool.

• Lived experience as a consumer of mental health or substance use services (required).
• GED or high school diploma (required); additional education a plus.
• CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) certification or willingness to obtain.
• WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) certification or willingness to complete training.
• Valid driver’s license and current automobile liability insurance (including uninsured motorist coverage).
• Ability to pass all pre-employment background checks.
• Prior experience working with developmentally disabled individuals (adults and/or children) is a plus.
• Teaching experience and/or experience facilitating peer groups is highly desirable.
• Completed CRSS program and have obtained the CRSS certificate from the state (required).

Duties and responsibilities may change, and new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

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