After Hours Community Engagement Specialist

Pillars Community Health•Berwyn, IL

20h•$31 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

Works with the Mobile Crisis Response team to respond to individuals in the community who are experiencing a mental health crisis. This position works as a mental health peer specialist and supports the crisis response by utilizing de-escalation techniques, supporting the development of crisis safety plans, and coordinating immediate and post crisis follow-up care as necessary. Assists individuals living with mental illness to identify and achieve specific life goals by utilizing unique insights gained through personal recovery experience. Utilizes experience to facilitate and support the recoveries of others and to help shape systems of care. For on-call shifts, the Community Engagement Specialist must provide an in-person response within 60 minutes to provide on-site assessment to community locations, hospitals, or client homes. As of summer 2026, our service area is expanding and will include areas south of O'Hare to Hickory Hills and Justice; West towards Lombard, Elmhurst and Hinsdale, and East towards Berwyn, Cicero, and Burbank.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
Position requires one to be a current or former consumer of mental health or combined mental illness and substance use disorders services.
At least one (1) year of experience working in behavioral health, social services, human services or other related field.
Must maintain a safe driving record and have current valid Illinois Driver's License.
Personal vehicle needed for travel to/from community-based interventions.
Response requirements per our service contract require response periods to be within 60 minutes.
Reliable transportation is necessary for responding to crisis calls in a timely manner

Nice To Haves

Crisis intervention experience preferred.
This position encourages one to work towards earning the CRSS credential.

Responsibilities

Works with the Mobile Crisis Response team to support the team's response either in person or virtually (if appropriate), to individual's experiencing a mental health crisis. Provide on-site assessment within 60 minutes.
Triages and dispatches telephone calls that come through the crisis line to the appropriate staff or department as needed. This is done on a rotating schedule.
Assists in utilizing de-escalation techniques, in coordination with the MCR Clinician, with clients experiencing a mental health crisis.
Utilizes own lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services to establish rapport, share experiences and strengthen engagement with the individual's that have experienced a mental health crisis.
Supports positive recovery behaviors with clients in Behavioral Health Crisis programs with a focus on identifying client strengths and needs, and linking individuals to additional resources and support systems to mitigate future crisis episodes
May carry a small caseload for post-crisis follow-up activities that include skill building and case management to clients with high need
Completes required crisis, de-escalation, and position trainings and certifications.
Maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to client privacy laws
Demonstrates sensitivity and understanding of all communities and cultures
Completes required documentation within established timeframes, through use of an Electronic Client Record
Participates in specific program meetings, including required staff, line of service, and organizational meetings, and required trainings, and consultations.
Other duties as assigned.