Position Title:    Recovery Support Specialist

Location:            McHenry County

Reports To:       Recovery Support Manager

Status:               Full-time, hourly role

Pay:     $16 - 22 / hour, depending on experience

NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI McHenry County is a local affiliate of NAMI. Our mission is to give our community a safe place to find hope and support on the journey to improve mental health.

Position Description: 

The Recovery Support Specialist  is an individual living well in recovery who is willing to utilize their own lived experience to provide non-clinical peer 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 and in the community, facilitate support groups, teach classes, staff recovery events, and collaborate with partners across the community for safety.

The Recovery Support Specialist 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 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. Preference will be given to candidates who are fluent in both English and Spanish.

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, although some work will take place at other sites in McHenry County. The typical hours for this position are 12pm - 8pm, Monday through Friday, with one or two weekend shifts per month to staff events. The Specialist should have a flexible schedule to meet the needs throughout the community. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Recovery Support 

  • Assists participants in identifying strengths, recovery and wellness goals, and barriers; and determining recovery and wellness interventions based on his or her life goals

  • 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
    
    

• Support Groups & Events

  • 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
    
    

• Apply Unique Recovery Experience 

  • 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

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• 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

• Certifications as a facilitator in relevant programs preferred, or be willing to complete within one year of hire

• 2+ years of relevant experience preferred, including volunteer and internship opportunities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office

• Bilingual in Spanish is strongly preferred

• 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

Interpersonal

• A people-person with strong communication skills

• 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

Physical Abilities

• 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.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

• 10 prorated days of PTO (80 hours), accrued in bi-weekly increments, as well as 11 set holidays and 3 floating holidays (112 total hours).

• Relaxed dress code at the discretion of your supervisor

• Ongoing training opportunities sponsored by NAMI McHenry County

• An amazing mission and culture!

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Abbey (anicholas@namimch.org) with the subject line “Recovery Support Specialist”