Warmline Peer Specialist - Part Time

Part‑time position providing telephonic Warmline support across Illinois under the NAMI Chicago mission. Reports to Warmline Peer Supervisor. Work from home up to 5 days per week; must maintain a private workspace in Illinois and attend in‑person trainings/meetings at the Chicago office or other designated locations.

Shifts:

Mix of 4‑hour to 8‑hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday‑Saturday. Hybrid work policy subject to change; remote portion up to 5 days per week. Must work part of major holidays and any additional holidays that coincide with regular schedule.

Type:
Part‑time.

Office

Location:

Work from home; not a work‑from‑anywhere role. Must attend in‑person trainings/meetings at Chicago office (224 W. Hill St., Suite 410) or another designated location as requested. Option to work at the NAMI Chicago Office is available.

Background: NAMI Chicago educates, advocates and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental‑health journey, with an intentional emphasis on serving under‑represented populations and breaking down barriers to care.

• Provide live telephonic support to help seekers across Illinois by creating a safe, empowering space built on shared understanding and respect.
• Utilize empathy and active listening skills; offer education and coaching on wellness and recovery principles, self‑advocacy, shared decision making, and connect help seekers to resources.
• Apply person‑centered, strength‑based, culturally informed, growth‑oriented, and trauma‑informed approaches to empower help seekers to define and pursue their own recovery and wellness goals.
• Demonstrate competency in CRSS or CPRS credentials and comply with their code of ethics; apply a broad understanding of recovery principles along the continuum of recovery.
• Share lived experience and provide motivational support, including wellness skills, coping strategies, mental‑health symptom management, and knowledge of treatment systems.
• Use crisis‑de‑escalation techniques to help seekers regain control and stability; teach suicide‑prevention concepts and collaborate with seekers to identify support systems.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records in NAMI Chicago’s client‑record management system in accordance with privacy regulations and organizational policies.
• Operate multiple technology systems (telephony, documentation, communication) and multitask during conversations, documentation, and supervisor communication.
• Follow established protocols for crisis intervention, documentation, and escalation of emergencies.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay updated on best practices.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and Warmline staff, alerting supervisors of concerns and seeking guidance when needed; embody the team approach by engaging in daily Teams chats, supervision meetings, and organizational meetings.
• Engage in personal wellness; communicate support needs and participate in the organization’s wellness activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Serve anyone across Illinois who contacts the Warmline, providing a no‑barriers access point for support and education by individuals with lived experience.
• Exhibit sensitivity and empathy toward human‑service issues; project a non‑judgmental attitude toward those requiring assistance.
• Maintain professional boundaries with help seekers and peers.
• Serve under‑represented and vulnerable populations, including social minorities, racial/ethnic minorities, youth, young adults, and older adults.
• Have firsthand knowledge/experience living with a mental‑health condition and applying recovery principles.
• Familiarity with community resources and treatment options for mental‑health conditions and substance use.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; navigate client‑record management tools.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and responsibility.
• Employ a growth mindset in conversations with help seekers, supervisory meetings, trainings, and team interactions.

• High School Diploma or…