Mobile Crisis Recovery & Engagement Specialist

Kenneth Young Center•Arlington Heights, IL

About The Position

Mobile Crisis Recovery & Engagement Specialist Job Scope: Actively contribute as a peer recovery support specialist while working with individuals and families across the lifespan within community-based systems to provide services including crisis intervention and linkage to care. The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCR) is responsible for over-the-phone and in-person de-escalation and safety screening, assessment, and resolution services. Team members contribute with in-office and on-call response to ensure 24/7/365 coverage for crisis intervention, as well as outreach to individuals’ post-crisis as part of the continuum of care Crisis calls will be received through the 988 Crisis Response Line and/or directly through the KYC crisis line as part of the Crisis Care System (CCS). Crisis Line is 24 hours including evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours. Mobile response area is Schaumburg and Elk Grove Townships. Recovery and Engagement Specialists should have their CRSS certification or be eligible for CRSS within 1 year of hire. In this role, an Engagement Specialist uses their own lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, combined with training, to mentor, support, and advocate for others in recovery, helping the client build skills, set goals, find resources, and connect with community to foster hope, empowerment, and successful recovery. They act as role models, bridge gaps with clinical teams, and help individuals navigate systems, focusing on strengths and building recovery capital like housing, employment, and relationships

Requirements

Minimum of high school GED; Bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology or a related discipline
A Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification or ability to complete course work and able to obtain certification within 12 months of hire
Basic computer proficiency, knowledge of Word and Internet skills
Applicant must have a valid IL Driver’s License, valid auto insurance, and access to a well maintained/insured vehicle

Nice To Haves

Preferred 1-2 of years experience working with individuals recovering from serious and persistent mental illness providing case management and community support.

Responsibilities

Provide a full range of safety screening and support services to clients and their families in crisis. These services include the following:
Provide supportive peer counseling utilizing personal lived experience to establish a warm and empathic connection with clients and as needed, their families/significant others.
In-person crisis screenings completed in a two-person team to assess current needs and determine level of risk.
Telephone crisis screenings to assess current needs and determine level of risk.
Promote opportunities for clients to develop a personal safety plan to stabilize a client without the use of hospitalization, if hospitalization is not warranted
Coordinate with Supervisor on Call for any escalated situation that may require hospitalization or EMS response
Short-term case management services to reduce likelihood of future crisis
Linkage with established care providers
Linkage to community resources
Support to help a client bridge access to services
Participate as a responsible crisis team member to maintain continuous on-call coverage (24/7) and to accomplish other team tasks, goals and responsibilities
Provide follow-up that reflects the CCS MCR program demands
Provide timely and accurate assessments of incoming crisis calls with clinically appropriate dispositions utilizing available QMHP
Determine the need for additional services based on the assessment and facilitate linkage
Participate in consultation, as needed, with other KYC programs and outside agencies, including professionals, PD, EMS or with paid agency consultants