Peer Support Training Specialist, School of Social Work

Peer Support Training Specialist

Provider Assistance Training Hub (PATH)

School of Social Work

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Located Statewide in Illinois

Supports Illinois' commitment to strengthening the behavioral health workforce by training and guiding Peer Support Workers, individuals with lived experience navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges. Housed within the Provider Assistance and Training Hub (PATH), this role collaborates with the PATH leadership and training teams to deliver training, provide on-going coaching, and support the implementation of statewide peer support curriculum and initiatives for Medicaid enrolled providers.

As a subject matter expert, ensures alignment with the peer support model and offers leadership and oversight to help peer support workers grow in their roles and effectively serve their communities.

• Plan and deliver both web-based training, including questions and answers, and on-site trainings statewide for:
  • Systems of Care and Peer Support Worker Training.
  • Associated monthly booster training for Peer Supporters.
• Using various training, coaching and transfer of learning methodologies, the trainer will engage in person and by webinar with Care Coordination Service Organization to:
  • Effectively and strategically shares personal stories around systems navigation.
  • Assess agency-specific challenges and build strategies for effective implementation of Peer Support staff within the providing organizations.
  • Work in conjunction with the Systems of Care Coordinator and Coordinator of Family and Peer Support Services team to ensure providers are integrating values and principles of peer support work.
• Develop training, including on-site training and web-based training on intermediate and advanced topics related to Peer Support.
  • Provide feedback to Systems of Care Coordinator, Coordinator of Family and Peer Support Services and Workforce Development Team as Subject Matter Expert on Peer Support implementation efforts to guide future curriculum development and statewide support strategies.
• Other Duties as Assigned
  • Some analysis of training effectiveness may be required.
  • Travel may be necessary several days per week in order to effectuate training and coaching.

Periodic statewide travel required.

Bachelor's degree. Complete the required certification within 120 days. Self-identification as a person with lived experience in mental health, behavioral health, and/or substance use challenges and recovery. Demonstrated stability in personal recovery and the ability to use lived experience appropriately in a professional setting. Experience successfully navigating two or more behavioral health services, including but not limited to: psychological testing and evaluation, medication evaluation, prescription, and management, mental health rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient treatment, residential rehabilitation and/or behavioral health crisis services.

Experience with coaching, training, teaching and/or public speaking.

Prior experience in a peer support role within recovery, mental health, or substance use setting. Past participation in support groups and/or advisory committees. Basic understanding of group facilitation techniques.

Knowledge of pertinent community based and clinical resources, including funding option and how to access them. Fundamental knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders, treatments, and recovery-oriented supports. Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and the impact of trauma on individuals and families. Understanding of peer support values, including ethics, boundaries, and the role of lived experience in recovery support. Knowledge of strength-based, person-centered, and recovery-oriented practices.

Knowledge of individual and systems-level advocacy approaches; ability to locate information on service rights, state and federal laws and behavioral health policies. Basic knowledge of conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies. Knowledge of collaborative care planning approaches across service systems. Understanding of transition services, resources, and timelines relevant to recovery. Knowledge of advocacy and strength-based interventions. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Excellent communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills. Highly organized. Able to work independently.

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. Hybrid or remote work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site as needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $55,000-$65,000. Salary is competitive…