Recovery Support Specialist
Location: Crystal Lake, IL
Reports To: Living Room Manager (PM)
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Schedule: 3:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m., Sunday-Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Hourly Rate: $20-$24 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications
About NAMI McHenry County
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI McHenry County provides free mental health support, education, advocacy, and community-based services to individuals and families throughout McHenry County.
Our Living Room Program is a peer-led, trauma-informed alternative to emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitalization for adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. The Living Room will be expanding to stay open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, starting in October, and we are hiring additional recovery support specialists to support this growth. The Living Room provides immediate support in a calm, welcoming, recovery-oriented environment where individuals can find safety, connection, and hope.
Position Summary
The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) is an individual with lived experience in mental health recovery who uses that experience to provide hope, encouragement, and peer support to adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.
Working within NAMI McHenry County's Living Room Program, the Recovery Support Specialist provides one-on-one peer support, assists guests in developing recovery and wellness goals, helps de-escalate crises, develops collaborative safety plans, and connects guests with community resources. The RSS works as part of a multidisciplinary team to create a welcoming, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about peer support, believes in the power of recovery, and wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Essential Responsibilities
Direct Peer Support
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Provide one-on-one peer support to adults experiencing emotional distress or mental health crises.
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Build trusting relationships that promote hope, empowerment, and recovery.
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Assist guests in identifying strengths, recovery goals, wellness strategies, and barriers to recovery.
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Collaborate with guests to develop individualized safety plans and next steps.
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Support guests in developing coping skills, grounding techniques, and problem-solving strategies.
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Encourage use of recovery-oriented tools and self-directed wellness practices.
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Connect guests with community resources and ongoing support.
Crisis Support
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Assist in de-escalating behavioral health crises using trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches.
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Observe and assess guest needs, identifying when consultation with the Living Room Manager or other professionals is appropriate.
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Collaborate with the team to ensure guests receive the appropriate level of care.
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Support caregivers and family members by providing education, encouragement, and resource navigation.
Recovery Leadership
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Utilize personal lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and normalize recovery.
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Model healthy coping strategies, self-care, resilience, and recovery principles.
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Advocate for guests while promoting dignity, autonomy, and self-determination.
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Help reduce stigma surrounding mental health through authentic peer relationships.
Documentation & Team Collaboration
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Complete timely, accurate documentation within the electronic health record.
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Maintain confidentiality and comply with agency documentation standards.
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Participate in shift huddles, debriefings, team meetings, and ongoing training.
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Collaborate effectively with Living Room staff and community partners.
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Contribute ideas that strengthen services and improve the guest experience.
Organizational Leadership
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Support NAMI McHenry County's mission, values, and culture.
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Participate in ongoing professional development.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
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High school diploma or GED.
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Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or willingness to obtain certification within one year of hire.
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Personal lived experience with mental health recovery and willingness to appropriately utilize that experience in a peer support role.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn electronic health record systems.
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Ability to pass all required background screenings.
Preferred Qualifications
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Two or more years of experience in peer support, behavioral health, crisis services, human services, or related settings.
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Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health crises.
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Bilingual in Spanish.
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Familiarity with community mental health resources.
Desired Attributes
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Passion for recovery-oriented care and peer support.
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Warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental communication style.
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Strong boundaries and ethical decision-making.
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Ability to remain calm under pressure.
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Team-oriented with excellent collaboration skills.
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Commitment to trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.
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Strong organizational and documentation skills.
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Desire to learn, grow, and contribute to a rapidly expanding organization.
NAMI McHenry County strongly values lived experience with mental health recovery. Individuals with lived experience who are passionate about supporting others on their recovery journey are encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
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Ability to utilize a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
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Ability to move throughout the Living Room to support guests.
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Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Why Join NAMI McHenry County?
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Be part of one of Illinois' most innovative peer-led crisis response programs.
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Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
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Work alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team.
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Receive ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
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Help shape the future of mental health services in McHenry County.
Benefits
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Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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Generous Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
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Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
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Company-Paid Life Insurance
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Employee Assistance Program
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Cell Phone Reimbursement
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Four-Week Paid Sabbatical After Five Years of Full-Time Employment
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Ongoing Professional Development Opportunities
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Relaxed Dress Code
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Meaningful, Mission-Driven Work
NAMI McHenry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
