CST Peer Support Specialist

The Link and Option Center, Inc.•South Holland, IL

47d•$0 - $55,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The CST Peer Support Specialist ensures continuity of care for TLOC clients at high risk for psychiatric hospitalization, detainment, or becoming lost to care. Under the supervision of a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and in accordance with Illinois Administrative Code Rule 132, this role provides direct, community-based mental health and recovery support services using a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach. Responsibilities include helping individuals develop independent living skills, achieve treatment goals, access behavioral health and substance support services, and address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including housing, food insecurity, transportation, healthcare, employment, public benefits, and social supports. The Peer Support Specialist collaborates with the treatment team to integrate these needs into care planning, with services primarily delivered in community settings throughout the service area.

Requirements

An individual with a high school diploma or GED
Be at least 21 years of age and demonstrate: Skilled in delivering rehabilitative services to adults or children; Ability to work within an agency structure and accept supervision; Ability to work constructively with clients, service providers, and the community.

Nice To Haves

Personal lived experience with mental health illness or substance abuse and having been in recovery for at least one year
Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness or emotional disturbance
Experience with community-based service delivery
Bilingual or multilingual skills
Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care
Ability to work independently in community-based settings
Ability to respond appropriately in high-stress or crisis situations
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Effective time management and organizational skills
Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse populations

Responsibilities

Provide 60% of individualized, face-to-face rehabilitative services in community settings, including homes, shelters, schools, clinics, and other natural environments
Be available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week to support the Mobile Crisis Response team for children, adolescents, families and adults to decrease hospitalization and crisis episodes
Assist individuals in developing skills related to daily living, medication self-management, social interaction, and independent functioning
Support individuals in managing mental health symptoms, co-occurring substance use disorders, and behavioral health needs through skill-building, medication self-management, recovery support, and coping strategies
Reinforce treatment goals and interventions identified in the Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP)
Monitor and report changes in mental health symptoms, substance use behaviors, and overall functioning
Aid clients and families in addressing their SDOH needs
Complete at least one face-to-face or field-based check-in per week per assigned client
Use lived experience to build trust and engage clients with serious mental illness and hospitalization, incarceration, or substance use
Engage individuals who may be reluctant or have difficulty participating in treatment
Conduct community outreach and engagement to ensure community awareness and utilization of CST services
Identify early warning signs of behavioral health crises
Responds to crises situations by providing direction, recommendations, and crises intervention.
Provide support during crisis situations in coordination with CST and Mobile Crisis Response programs
Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated and integrated care
Coordinate services with external providers, including hospitals, primary care, behavioral health, and social service agencies
Provide linkage and referrals to substance use disorder (SUD) services, community resources, and community stakeholders
Assist individuals in securing public entitlements and benefits, including public aid, housing, SSI, and other supportive services
Document peer interactions for all client contacts within 24 hours in the TLOC EHR system
Co-create and support implementation of the WRAP and Crisis Safety Plan
Monitor and document progress toward treatment goals
Participate in regular supervision with CST Program Director
Follow clinical guidance and feedback to ensure quality service delivery
Attend required trainings and participate in weekly CST team meeting