Peer Specialist

Location: Onsite - Northfield, IL

Hours:  Wednesday - Sunday, 4 PM - 12 AM

Payrate: $20.59

Job Summary The purpose of the peer specialist is to serve as a role model, mentor and motivator to support guests in the development of skills, confidence and relationships as part of their mental health recovery. The peer specialist collaborates with a team of other peer specialists, peer manager and crisis team to offer hope and recovery-based support in our drop-in and Living Room programs. The peer specialist provides direct peer recovery support based on their own living experience.

Essential Responsibilities and Metrics • Greet and welcome all guests who attend the Living Room and Drop-in Center. • Provide mentorship, advocacy and strength-based and recovery-based support to Living Room and Drop-in Center guests. • Provide individualized guidance, mentoring and support, as directed by the guest's personal goals for recovery. • Provided individualized, external resources for guests as requested based on needs. • Inquire about guest's safety and current needs and engage in crisis assessment as needed with the support of the Crisis Team. • Help to engage guests who appear to be isolated and withdrawn. • Be aware of group dynamics and tensions. Diffuse tensions as appropriate utilizing crisis de-escalation techniques, appropriate facilitation and ask for supervisor support as needed. • Share appropriate and professional level of lived experiences to express empathy, establish trust and connection as part of the recovery-based model. • Collaborate with mental health team to create a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all guests served in the Living Room and Drop-In Center.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required • Completion of CRSS training preferred • Willing to obtain CRSS within 2 years of employment • Life experience as a consumer of mental health services and be willing to share recovery experiences to inspire hope and change in others. • Strong interpersonal, communication, empathy and relationship building skills to establish trust and connections

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