POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) plays a vital role in supporting individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Utilizing their lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, the RSS provides peer-based support, facilitates individualized recovery planning, and models effective self-care and coping strategies. This role is community-focused, emphasizing outreach, resource navigation, and empowerment to help individuals achieve their recovery and wellness goals.
Location: Wilmington, IL
Hours: Monday through Friday 2:30 pm-11 pm (rotation weekend and holidays)
Pay: $41,500-52,500 commensurate of experience
REPORTS TO: Program Director
NETWORK OR DEPARTMENT: Network 9
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide compassionate peer support to individuals in mental health crisis situations.
- Respond to crisis calls with their partner and work as a team
- Occasionally work alongside law enforcement and other community agencies
- Collaborate with individuals to develop a personalized recovery plan that ensures safety and comfort.
- Teach and model effective problem-solving techniques, methods for identifying and combating negative self-talk, and approaches to overcoming fears.
- Assist participants in identifying personal strengths, recovery goals, wellness objectives, and barriers, and help determine appropriate interventions.
- Serve as a role model for recovery by demonstrating effective coping techniques, self-help strategies, and self-care practices.
- Participate in relevant trainings, seminars, and meetings to continuously improve peer support practices.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to assess and respond to high-risk indicators.
- Conduct outreach and assist participants with connecting to community-based resources and services.
- Provide follow-up support to ensure continuity of care and engagement with services.
- Complete all necessary documentation
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Strong empathy, active listening, and communication skills with an ability to build trust and rapport.
- Ability to engage and support individuals with diverse backgrounds and complex needs.
- Skilled in facilitating group discussions and peer-led recovery or support groups.
- Knowledge of community resources and services related to mental health, substance use, and recovery.
- Comfortable using technology to complete documentation, communicate with team members, and access resources.
- Capacity to remain calm and supportive in high-stress or crisis situations.
- Ability to uphold professional boundaries while maintaining a peer-centered approach.
- Non-judgmental mindset and commitment to promoting hope, recovery, and empowerment.
- Public speaking and advocacy skills to promote recovery-oriented services and education.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
- Manual dexterity for using computers, phones, tablets, and other business equipment.
- Physical ability to adjust or set up equipment, which may include bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, or using a stepstool.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Lived experience as a consumer of mental health or substance use services (required).
- GED or high school diploma (required); additional education a plus.
- CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) certification or willingness to obtain.
- WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) certification or willingness to complete training.
- Valid driver’s license and current automobile liability insurance (including uninsured motorist coverage).
- Ability to pass all pre-employment background checks.
- Prior experience working with developmentally disabled individuals (adults and/or children) is a plus.
- Teaching experience and/or experience facilitating peer groups is highly desirable.
BENEFITS:
- Health, Vision, Dental, and Life insurance
- Educational Assistance
- Paid time off
- Sick time
- Paid Holidays
- Personal Time
- Potential Year-End Bonus
- Financial Assistance Program (Cookie Jar)
- Employee Referral Program (Bounty Bucks)
CLASSIFICATION:
Non-exempt
DISCLAIMER:
Duties and responsibilities may change, and new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.
STATEMENT:
Trinity Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Trinity Services, Inc. prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Trinity Services, Inc. conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations
Skills Required
- Lived experience as a consumer of mental health or substance use services
- GED or high school diploma
- CRSS certification or willingness to obtain
- WRAP certification or willingness to complete training
- Valid driver’s license and current automobile liability insurance (including uninsured motorist coverage)
- Ability to pass all pre-employment background checks
- Prior experience working with developmentally disabled individuals (adults and/or children)
- Teaching experience and/or experience facilitating peer groups
What We Do
Trinity Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides person-directed services and supports to people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs across more than 30 Illinois communities. Founded in 1950, Trinity offers residential living, behavioral health, employment programs, a school, therapeutic recreation (including horseback riding), community day services and in-home supports to help people flourish and live full, abundant lives.
