Recovery Support Specialist (SUB)

NAMI McHenry County•Crystal Lake, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Recovery Support Specialist SUB is an individual that has a flexible schedule and can come in to cover shifts as needed to ensure coverage at both our programs. This individual should be living well in recovery and willing to utilize their own lived experience to provide non-clinical peer support, crisis support, promote recovery, educate against stigma, and help instill a sense of hope in those we serve. The Recovery Support Specialist will work within the Recovery Support team to provide one-on-one peer support on-site in our Living Room Program crisis center and or drop-in center, facilitate support groups, teach classes, staff recovery events, and collaborate with partners across the community for safety. The Recovery Support Specialist SUB is expected to have their Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification or complete their certification within one year of hire. This certification includes an agreement to disclose personal experience as a recipient of mental health or dual diagnosis services, enabling the staff to serve as a "peer support." The Recovery Support Specialist is expected to work one on one with individuals with severe mental illness and individuals experiencing a severe mental health crisis. The Recovery Support Specialist will be trained to facilitate multiple NAMI programs in their first year, including support group facilitation. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and will be confident in working with individuals both one-on-one and in groups. The Recovery Support Specialist will work with the Recovery Support team to further the organization's efforts to reach underserved communities in McHenry County, especially individuals with limited English proficiency. The Specialist must be able to work with diverse populations and have a passion for reaching all corners of McHenry County. In order to complete this job well, the Specialist must be very comfortable with technology, and have the ability to quickly learn new systems, such as an electronic health record (EHR) system to track client data and notes. The Specialist should have a thorough understanding of MS Office/G Suite products. The Specialist should also be a self-starter and be comfortable working both independently and within a team environment. As NAMI continues to grow rapidly, the Recovery Support Specialist should be excited about having a say in the future of the organization. We work within a collaborative leadership model, meaning that everyone is expected to come to the table with ideas to improve our organization. This role is in-person, based out of our Crystal Lake Office. The hours for this position can vary based on the needs of the Recovery Program's. Shift hours at the Drop-In-Center are 12pm - 8:30pm, Monday through Friday, at the Living Room shifts are open 7 days a week. The a.m. shift is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00pm, the p.m. shift is 3:30 p.m to Midnight. This position has no guaranteed hours. This position will mostly fill in for call offs and scheduled paid time off of regular staff.

Requirements

Obtained or are working towards the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential through the state of Illinois
High School Diploma or G.E.D. required
2+ years of relevant experience preferred, including volunteer and internship opportunities
Proficient in MS Office/G Suite products
Applicants must pass a background check and driver's check that meets the State of Illinois requirements
Must be willing to self-disclose personal experience as a recipient of mental health or dual diagnosis services
Experience working with diverse populations
Must be a sensitive and mature individual who is able to relate well to all individuals
Demonstrates warmth, insight, interest, and respect for people with mental health conditions
Acts within ethical standards and demonstrates healthy boundaries
Willingness to accept flexibility with their schedule
Able and willing to be a team player and to work cooperatively with their team and the entire agency
Able to communicate effectively (oral and written) with clients, staff, and external stakeholders
Ability to multi task and adhere to timelines set forth for quality management
Ability to advocate for, motivate, and empower others
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
Ability to lift and/or move at least 10 pounds using proper body mechanics.
Visual acuity to read a computer screen and other documents.
Ability to utilize the telephone and respond to callers.

Nice To Haves

Certifications as a facilitator in relevant programs preferred, or be willing to complete within one year of hire
Bilingual in Spanish is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Assists participants in identifying strengths, recovery and wellness goals, and barriers; and determining recovery and wellness interventions based on his or her life goals
Works one on one providing peer support with individuals experiencing a severe mental health crisis.
Assist caregivers to maintain the wellness of their own mental health
Aid caregivers in actions to take for their loved one living with a mental health condition
Leads and encourages participants to facilitate recovery dialogues
Utilizes and encourages techniques for problem solving, identifying and combating negative self- talk, identifying and overcoming fears in both one-on-one and group settings
Promotes use of self-directed recovery tools and encourages clinical treatment
Supports participants in building social skills
Works with local law enforcement, specialty courts, schools and other community-based services in identifying safety collaborations that are vital to recovery and family advocacy
Facilitate weekly support groups for individuals living with a mental illness and/or family members supporting someone with a mental illness
Follow-up with group members after group has ended
Ensure group members are connected with services in the community
Work with the Recovery Support team to staff other workshops and community events as needed
Ability to self-disclose and appropriately share personal story of recovery
Models effective coping techniques, self-help strategies, and self-care as an ambassador of mental health recovery
Utilizes personal experiences to facilitate and support the care, encouragement, and education of those caring for family members or loved ones who have a mental health condition
Other duties as assigned