Peer Support Specialist

Friend Family Health Center•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides mobile, community-based outreach and non-clinical peer support through HRDI's Crisis Program 591. Using recovery-oriented principles and lived experience, when applicable, the specialist engages people experiencing behavioral health crises, recovering from an overdose, frequently using emergency services, or at risk of becoming disconnected from care. The role conducts follow-up outreach, builds trusting relationships, addresses barriers to treatment, and supports connection or reconnection to behavioral health, substance use, medical, and community-based services. Working with crisis staff, emergency departments, treatment providers, and community partners, the specialist promotes continuity of care, supports recovery, and helps reduce avoidable emergency service use. This is a mobile, community-based position involving frequent travel throughout assigned service areas. Work may take place in participants’ homes, hospitals, shelters, community settings, and other field locations. The position may involve contact with people experiencing behavioral health crises, substance use, homelessness, or other unstable situations. Staff must follow organizational safety, infection-control, and crisis-response procedures. The role also carries occupational risk of TB exposure due to extensive community and patient contact; annual TB testing is required, subject to documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline testing must wear a mask when deemed necessary. The posting lists a full-time day-shift schedule of 7:00 AM–7:00 PM and a part-time overnight schedule of 7:00 PM–7:00 AM. Schedules may include weekends and holidays based on program needs. The hourly rate is $22.11.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be eligible to obtain Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification within one year of hire.
Knowledge of community resources and organizations serving individuals with behavioral health and substance use needs.
Ability to engage individuals experiencing crisis, instability, or reluctance to participate in services.
Strong communication, organization, documentation, and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced community settings.
Basic computer proficiency and ability to use electronic documentation systems.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
One year of experience providing community outreach, peer support, behavioral health, substance use, crisis intervention, case management, or related human services.
Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification.

Responsibilities

Conduct mobile outreach, community canvassing, and follow-up engagement.
Engage high emergency department utilizers, post-overdose individuals, and people disconnected from care.
Complete non-clinical Outreach Triage Assessments and required documentation.
Follow referrals through final disposition and document all outreach attempts.
Build rapport and encourage participation in behavioral health and recovery services.
Help individuals access treatment, benefits, housing, and other community resources.
Accompany individuals to appointments and provide practical, recovery-oriented support.
Coordinate transportation to intake, assessment, and treatment appointments.
Facilitate warm handoffs to internal programs and community providers.
Maintain relationships with hospitals, first responders, referral sources, and community partners.
Participate in Program 591 meetings, training, supervision, and quality-improvement activities.
Follow crisis-program safety procedures while working in community settings.
Perform other duties as assigned.