Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist

Peer Support is needed in our Adult Intensive Services unit at our Community Center in Wheaton. We have a part-time position open, 20 hours per week, with flexible hours Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

As a Recovery Support Specialist, you will be responsible for supporting engagement and treatment for behavioral health clients, working with our Psychosocial Rehabilitation and CST teams.  The Recovery Support Specialist will have the ability to role mode positive recovery behaviors and assist in identifying client’s needs.

The preferred candidate will be able to assertively and compassionately engage a population that struggles with engagement. Do you love a challenge and project the warmth and sincerity needed to work effectively with clients? Do you have a strong ability to work within a collaborative team approach? Do you have knowledge of harm reduction practices, stages of change and motivation enhancement treatment? If so, then we invite you to apply to become part of our team. Responsibilities  

• Use one’s personal recovery experiences to facilitate and support the behavioral health recovery of others.
• Teaches psychosocial rehabilitation classes that increase insight, enhances community and encourage recovery
• Plans and organizes social programs to benefit client needs; empowers clients to advance successfully through all phases of recovery.
• Encourages clients to participate in opportunities to address other healthcare needs including primary care, dental care, etc.; supports clients with establishing personal wellness and healthcare goals.
• Provides a supportive and secure environment for client activities; engages clients in skill training, socialization or pre-vocational activities and documents attendance and progress.
• Integrates individuals into the community through activities geared toward improving independence and increasing socialization.
• Participates in client care and interdisciplinary team meetings related to an integrated care program; takes part in the implementation of program related goals.
• Provide recovery-based services in the community to clients with a severe mental illness
• Participates in emergency activities as assigned.
• Maintains required training, licensure and/or certification.
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to client privacy laws.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures.

  Requirements Two years of experience in the behavioral health field, including active participation in the recovery process; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. This position requires a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification upon hire or no later than 18 months after date of hire.
Designated positions may be required to obtain certification with health and recovery programming such as Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and/or Health and Recovery Peer Program (HARP), or an equivalent. 

Attendance at HR new hire orientation in Wheaton is required. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.