Peer Support Specialist - ACT
About The Position
Certified Recovery Support Specialist (Peer Support) – ACT Team Location: Chicago, IL (Ravenswood) Employment Type: Full-time Reports To: Assistant Director-ACT Make Your Lived Experience Count—Help Others Recover Envision Unlimited is hiring a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (Peer Support) to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. This role is ideal for someone in mental health recovery who wants to support others using their lived experience. As a Peer Support Specialist, you will help adults with serious mental illness regain independence and stability by providing recovery-oriented support, assisting in developing individualized treatment and crisis plans, and connecting people to housing, benefits, and wellness resources. What You'll Do: As a key member of our interdisciplinary ACT team, you will: Use your own recovery experience to support, mentor, and empower adults with serious mental illness as they work toward their goals. Provide person-centered, strengths-based community support in real-world settings—homes, neighborhoods, and beyond. Support clients in building skills for independent living, accessing resources, managing symptoms, and regaining hope. Assist in crisis support, safety planning, and de-escalation interventions with compassion and empathy. Champion client choice, self-advocacy, and recovery at every step—while maintaining accurate documentation and achieving productivity goals. Why This Role Matters: This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. As a Peer Support Specialist, you will directly impact outcomes by: Increasing engagement and reducing hospitalizations through early intervention. Helping clients transition from crisis to stability with dignity. Building community connection and self-reliance among people who often feel isolated or overwhelmed.
Requirements
- Lived experience with mental health recovery and willingness to share that experience to support others.
- High School Diploma or GED required; must obtain the CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) credential within 12 months of hire.
- At least 1 year of experience in the behavioral health or social service field.
- Valid driver's license and ability to drive agency vehicles.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Passion for advocacy, recovery, and peer mentorship.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience with ACT, case management, or crisis intervention.
- Comfort navigating technology (email, Microsoft Word, electronic health records).
- Familiarity with Medicaid billing and productivity standards (we’ll train you!).
Responsibilities
- Use your own recovery experience to support, mentor, and empower adults with serious mental illness as they work toward their goals.
- Provide person-centered, strengths-based community support in real-world settings—homes, neighborhoods, and beyond.
- Support clients in building skills for independent living, accessing resources, managing symptoms, and regaining hope.
- Assist in crisis support, safety planning, and de-escalation interventions with compassion and empathy.
- Champion client choice, self-advocacy, and recovery at every step—while maintaining accurate documentation and achieving productivity goals.
- Increasing engagement and reducing hospitalizations through early intervention.
- Helping clients transition from crisis to stability with dignity.
- Building community connection and self-reliance among people who often feel isolated or overwhelmed.
Benefits
- Paid training and continuing education opportunities
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Generous PTO and paid holidays
- Mileage reimbursement
- Supportive team environment that values your lived experience
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
