Peer Support Specialist

The Peer Support Specialist is a valuable member of our Behavioral Health team who provides support to clients based on own experiences. Responsible for engaging and motivating identified population to seek needed services. Explains, guides, supports and assists clients with goals of improved stability and self-sufficiency, independent living, self-advocacy, and development of supportive relationships. Responsible for assisting individuals with serious mental illness to increase skills in the areas of independent living and self-advocacy. Co-leads client activities.

Schedule Hours:

37.5 Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Evening and weekend hours are required as needed to support program operations and client needs. Advance notice will be provided whenever possible. Assists in the planning and implementation of activities of the Drop-In Center Assists in the development and leading of mental health recovery groups. Assists in the development and leading of advocacy training groups. Provides supportive peer counseling. Assists in implementing independent living skills and leading independent living skills classes and groups. Assist with transportation of client(s) to and from home and outings Assists in providing community consultation and education, as assigned. Assists in the development and facilitation of training for clients and the community. Explains LCHD programs to the client and/or family Assists family through the intake, referral, and connection with other agencies. Provides support and advocacy for families receiving services. High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required. Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) strongly preferred . Requires one year of direct and personal experience with the mental health system as a primary consumer of services. Demonstrated ability to utilize lived experience to provide peer support, advocacy, and encouragement to clients. Must possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Requires use of personal vehicle when an LCHD fleet vehicle is not available for outreach activities or to respond to crisis calls in the field. As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community. Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department . At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4515/Salary-Grades . For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2686/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements . This position is represented by AFSCME Council 31 Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.