Peer Support Specialist, NFC/Kankakee

Are you a person in recovery who wants to help others recover? Consider joining our innovative team by becoming a Peer Support Specialist! Working at Thresholds means making a difference in someone’s life every day. For decades, Thresholds has provided direct mental health and substance use treatment in Chicago’s communities.

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support services, serves as a consumer advocate; provides consumer information and peer support for consumers. The PSS performs a wide range of tasks to assist consumers in regaining control over their own lives and over their own recovery process. The PSS will role model competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creates a welcoming, accepting environment in the Freedom Center. Encourages the development of friendships, positive interaction, and leisure activities.
• Uses their unique recovery experience to
• Teach and role model the value of every individual’s recovery experience.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Maintains working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field
• Provides and advocates for effective recovery-based services and assists members to obtain services suited to their recovery needs
• Informs consumers about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
• Assisting consumers in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy and stigma-busting.
• Provides accurate and timely information to your supervisor on all topics and issues related to the operation of the Requirements
• Shift: Monday-Friday, some weekends may be required.

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED.

EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge and understanding of the recovery process and models.
• Ability to teach and guide others through the recovery process. Ability to work and make decisions independently.
• Understanding and ability to advocate for others.
• Ability to facilitate discussions or groups and teach others how to communicate with service providers.
• Ability to recognize stigma. Knowledge of illness, medications, and treatment. Ability to work as an effective team player.
• Must be dependable, able to work a flexible schedule including Sat and Sun.
• Daily access to a personal vehicle is required. Must obtain and maintain $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 bodily injury and liability insurance. Subject to validation every six months.
• May be required to provide transportation for members of the program using a Thresholds provided vehicle or personal vehicle. Must be 23 years of age and meet all insurance carrier’s requirements.

SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Current and valid driver’s license.

*COVID-19 Note: In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from Thresholds, you will be required to share proof of a COVID-19 vaccination and booster upon eligibility. You may apply for a Medical or Religious Exemption in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Generous Paid Time Office Policy (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days)

• 4 Medical Insurance Plans
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 403(b) with 3% employer match
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Supervision for Clinical Licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)