Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to: Anthony Hunter, Outreach and Engagement Programs Manager at ahunter@peerservices.org

PEER Services (peerservices.org) is a leading nonprofit provider of community-based substance use prevention and treatment services for Evanston, Maine, New Trier, Niles and Northfield Townships, and the north side of Chicago. As a licensed treatment provider since 1975, we have transformed the lives of thousands of teens and adults and helped them open the door to a healthier, brighter future.

The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) will provide substance use recovery and support services to persons in recovery and their families within the clinical programs at PEER Services, on- and off-site. The RSS is accountable for the delivery of the highest quality care for persons in recovery and their families. The RSS will utilize and deliver trauma-informed, harm reduction, and person-centered care. RSS is a member of PEER Services Community Outreach and Engagement team, and reports to the Outreach and Engagement Manger (OEM).

The Recovery Support Specialist has a unique and integral role in the provision of substance use services at PEER. The RSS has lived experience with substance use recovery and is comfortable with appropriate self-disclosure and sharing pertinent information about their own recovery experiences with others to educate and support successful recovery. The RSS is encouraged to utilize their lived experience to empower other persons in recovery to manage their substance use and develop and meet their recovery goals. The RSS must be stable in their own recovery for a minimum of two years and possess the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based substance use interventions to peers in recovery from substance use. The RSS abides by the ethical standards, basic values, principles, and guidelines for peer recovery support practice. The RSS works cooperatively with other PEER staff and partners, serves as a contact for community members, and is an advocate and role model for those in recovery from substance use. In addition to direct service, the RSS works with the OEM to educate staff, community members, and other stakeholders on the needs of those in recovery, the RSS model, and role in recovery. Additionally, the RSS is responsible for assisting the OEM in cultivating and maintaining relationships with community partners, persons in recovery, and other stakeholders. The RSS provides administrative assistance, as directed by the Outreach and Engagement Manager.

Job Duties

PROGRAM

Ensure the OEM is kept abreast of all aspects of their program sites and activities. Offer suggestions that support the development of the programs and improved care for those served.
Assist the OEM to promote PEER’s programs and services and build relationships with institutions that foster referrals and resources for clients.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with PEER staff, supervisors, and program partners.
Attend and participate in organizational, program, and team meetings and activities.
Participate in individual and group supervision/consultation and other clinical educational opportunities as assigned.
Meet program and direct service goals as defined in collaboration with the OEM.
Obtain/maintain certification/credentials and participate in continued education training opportunities.
Represent PEER during networking events, educational and training opportunities, and other community activities. Promote the positive reputation of the organization.

RECOVERY SUPPORT

Serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.
Conduct screening and needs assessment for substance use disorder and other needs.
Provide a warm and welcoming environment for recovering persons entering our programs.
Provide psychoeducation around substance use, addiction, recovery, and the role of the RSS in recovery.
Provide a model for both people in recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
Assist/coach recovering persons to develop their own plan for advancing their recovery and the life they desire; help them identify their personal interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses regarding recovery.
Provide individual peer support and counseling, emotional and social support, referrals and warm handoff to partner agencies. Follow up on referrals and assist in care coordination.
Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, housing, social, cultural, spiritual, self-help, professional services, etc.) that support the recovering person’s goals and interests.
Provide group support through facilitation of recovery groups, relapse prevention groups, support groups, coordination of self-help groups, and leading presentations for groups (persons in recovery, community members, staff).
Track and document encounters and services provided.
Collect and record data for grants, reports, and ongoing quality improvement.
Complete site/program specific tasks and responsibilities as determined by the needs of the site/program, the team and OEM.
Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by the OEM.

Classification, Compensation, Work Schedule, and Benefits:

This is a part-time, non-exempt, hourly position not to exceed 25 hours per week.
Compensation is $17.00 to $22.00 per hour dependent on experience and qualifications.
Work hours will be based on the needs of the program and staff availability.
Benefits for part-time staff include: Accrued vacation and sick time, paid holidays (when observed during regular work schedule), continuing education opportunities, clinical supervision.

Qualifications:

Must have lived experience with substance use recovery and be comfortable with appropriate self-disclosure and sharing pertinent information about one’s recovery experiences with others to educate and support successful recovery.
Minimum of 2 years of sustained recovery.
Documented completion of Recovery Support Services training and education.
Certified Recovery Support Specialist (or successful certification within 1 year).
Commitment to Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed care with openness to explore 12-Step based supports.
Working knowledge of computer systems and applications and demonstrated accurate and timely utilization of technology.
Must be flexible and adaptable to work in different settings (office, hospital, community, etc.), and able to adjust work schedules, as needed.
Must have access to transportation to work out of Evanston and travel to program sites and events.
Must be able to walk distances and navigate stairs to meet with partners, staff, and patients/guests.

Characteristics:

Self-starter and ability to work independently and with a team.
Good time management, organizational, interpersonal, and written skills.
Attention to detail with good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Discrete with ability to maintain confidentiality, use good judgement and sensitivity.
Professional demeanor and role model for other staff.
Customer-oriented with ability to communicate effectively and positively.
Confident, collegial, and direct.

PEER Services, Inc.appreciates the opportunity to provide services to its diverse community, including people of color, low-income and financially insecure, non-English speakers, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities and other marginalized communities to join our staff to better serve our clients. PEER Services makes hiring decisions without regard to any person’s race, color, sex, creed, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, military discharge status, source of income, FMLA status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state or local statutes.

PEER Services’ Missionis to reduce the harms of substance use, addiction, and stigma by engaging youth and adults with innovative prevention programming and by supporting people on their path to recovery through holistic, evidence-based treatment. We provide affirming services to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

PEER Services is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.Since 1975, PEER Services hasprovided community-based substance use prevention and treatment services to teens, adults, and families in Northern Cook County, including Evanston, Maine, New Trier, Niles and Northfield Townships, and the north side of Chicago.PEER Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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PEER Services, Inc.

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Recovery Support Specialist (Part-time)