Recovery Support Specialist (Overnight Shift)
About The Position
NAMI McHenry County is expanding its Living Room Program to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is hiring additional recovery support specialists. The Living Room Program is a peer-led, trauma-informed alternative to emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitalization for adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. It provides immediate support in a calm, welcoming, recovery-oriented environment where individuals can find safety, connection, and hope. The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) is an individual with lived experience in mental health recovery who uses that experience to provide hope, encouragement, and peer support to adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. The RSS works within the Living Room Program to provide one-on-one peer support, assist guests in developing recovery and wellness goals, help de-escalate crises, develop collaborative safety plans, and connect guests with community resources. The RSS functions as part of a multidisciplinary team to foster a welcoming, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. This role is ideal for someone passionate about peer support, who believes in the power of recovery, and desires to make a meaningful difference.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or willingness to obtain certification within one year of hire.
- Personal lived experience with mental health recovery and willingness to appropriately utilize that experience in a peer support role.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn electronic health record systems.
- Ability to pass all required background screenings.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
- Ability to utilize a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
- Ability to move throughout the Living Room to support guests.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- Two or more years of experience in peer support, behavioral health, crisis services, human services, or related settings.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health crises.
- Bilingual in Spanish.
- Familiarity with community mental health resources.
- Passion for recovery-oriented care and peer support.
- Warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental communication style.
- Strong boundaries and ethical decision-making.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Team-oriented with excellent collaboration skills.
- Commitment to trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Desire to learn, grow, and contribute to a rapidly expanding organization.
Responsibilities
- Provide one-on-one peer support to adults experiencing emotional distress or mental health crises.
- Build trusting relationships that promote hope, empowerment, and recovery.
- Assist guests in identifying strengths, recovery goals, wellness strategies, and barriers to recovery.
- Collaborate with guests to develop individualized safety plans and next steps.
- Support guests in developing coping skills, grounding techniques, and problem-solving strategies.
- Encourage use of recovery-oriented tools and self-directed wellness practices.
- Connect guests with community resources and ongoing support.
- Assist in de-escalating behavioral health crises using trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches.
- Observe and assess guest needs, identifying when consultation with the Living Room Manager or other professionals is appropriate.
- Collaborate with the team to ensure guests receive the appropriate level of care.
- Support caregivers and family members by providing education, encouragement, and resource navigation.
- Utilize personal lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and normalize recovery.
- Model healthy coping strategies, self-care, resilience, and recovery principles.
- Advocate for guests while promoting dignity, autonomy, and self-determination.
- Help reduce stigma surrounding mental health through authentic peer relationships.
- Complete timely, accurate documentation within the electronic health record.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with agency documentation standards.
- Participate in shift huddles, debriefings, team meetings, and ongoing training.
- Collaborate effectively with Living Room staff and community partners.
- Contribute ideas that strengthen services and improve the guest experience.
- Support NAMI McHenry County's mission, values, and culture.
- Participate in ongoing professional development.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
- Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Cell Phone Reimbursement
- Four-Week Paid Sabbatical After Five Years of Full-Time Employment
- Ongoing Professional Development Opportunities
- Relaxed Dress Code
- Meaningful, Mission-Driven Work
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
