Peer Specialist

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented, person-centered, and trauma-informed support services to individuals with substance use and/or mental health challenges. Drawing from lived experience, the Peer Specialist promotes recovery, wellness, and self-advocacy through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment. Services are provided in accordance with Illinois Department of Human Services / Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) and Medicaid guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide peer-to-peer recovery support through mentoring, motivation, and shared lived experience.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate individual and group peer sessions promoting self-efficacy, relapse prevention, and wellness planning.
• Assist clients in developing and following recovery, crisis, and relapse prevention plans.
• Support clients in navigating community resources (housing, employment, education, healthcare, and benefits).
• Collaborate with case managers, counselors, and treatment teams to ensure continuity of care.
• Model healthy coping skills, boundary-setting, and recovery behaviors.
• Document all interactions in compliance with SUPR and Medicaid documentation standards, using appropriate service codes (e.g., H0006, T1016, or S9480 as applicable).
• Participate in staff meetings, case reviews, and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain confidentiality according to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Provide transportation assistance or accompaniment to appointments when necessary (if permitted by agency policy).
• Uphold agency mission, values, and ethical standards in all client and community interactions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must identify as a person with lived experience of recovery from substance use, mental health, or co-occurring challenges.
• Completion of or eligibility for the Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential within six (6) months of hire.
• High school diploma or GED required; Associates degree or higher in human services preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year in recovery, with demonstrated stability and wellness management.
• Valid Illinois drivers license and reliable transportation preferred.
• Must pass background check and comply with Illinois SUPR hiring standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and stages of change models.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Familiarity with community resources and recovery supports in Illinois.
• Competent in basic computer use and electronic documentation.
• Compassionate, nonjudgmental, and committed to the recovery process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current CRSS or CPRS certification.
• Experience working in a SUPR-licensed or Medicaid-billable setting.
• Experience with case management, group facilitation, or peer mentoring.

Physical and Working Conditions

• Work is performed in community, office, and group settings.
• May involve local travel and occasional evening or weekend hours.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and perform light physical tasks related to outreach or community events.

Compensation

• Commensurate with experience and credentials.
• Includes benefits such as paid training, supervision, and continuing education toward CRSS/CPRS recertification.