About NAMI DuPage:
For more than 40 years, NAMI DuPage has been the county's leading nonprofit organization providing free mental health support, education, advocacy, and peer-led services. Since 2015, NAMI DuPage has successfully operated one of Illinois' first peer-led Living Room Programs, providing a welcoming, recovery-oriented alternative to emergency departments for adults experiencing emotional distress.
With support from the Illinois Department of Human Services, NAMI DuPage is expanding the Living Room to provide 24-hour, 365-day-a-year peer-led crisis support.
Position Summary:
NAMI DuPage is seeking Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS) to join our team as independent contractor/freelancers providing shift coverage in our 24/7 Living Room Program. Working alongside a Peer Support Specialist, the CRSS provides compassionate, peer-delivered support to adults experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or co-occurring challenges. Using lived experience, recovery principles, trauma-informed practices, and person-centered support, the CRSS helps guests identify strengths, build hope, reduce distress, and connect with ongoing community resources.
This position is ideal for individuals seeking flexible scheduling while making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Directly provide and/or ensure the following:
Direct Guest Support
- Welcome guests in a compassionate and nonjudgmental manner.
- Build trusting relationships through lived experience.
- Provide one-on-one peer support.
- Assist guests in identifying strengths, coping skills, and wellness strategies.
- Support recovery planning.
- Promote dignity, hope, and self-determination.
Crisis Support & Stabilization
- Provide emotional support during times of crisis.
- Provide crisis phone support as appropriate.
- Utilize trauma-informed de-escalation techniques.
- Collaborate with CRC staff, emergency responders, or mental health professionals when appropriate.
- Support warm handoffs to community providers and resources.
Recovery Planning & Resources
- Connect guests with community resources.
- Provide information regarding NAMI DuPage programs and services.
- Encourage ongoing recovery supports.
- Promote self-advocacy.
Documentation
- Complete timely and accurate documentation.
- Document peer support interventions, referrals, and guest outcomes.
- Assist with required data collection.
- Maintain HIPAA and confidentiality standards.
Collaboration
- Collaborate with Peer Support Specialists and Living Room staff.
- Participate in shift handoffs.
- Attend required trainings.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain an active Illinois CRSS credential.
- Practice recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered care.
- Complete required trainings.
- Practice ethical peer support.
- Demonstrate professionalism and reliability while accepting contracted shifts.
Other Duties
- Carry out other responsibilities as assigned to meet program needs and organizational goals
- Because the Living Room Program operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, all staff are expected to demonstrate flexibility to support operational needs, training requirements, and occasional schedule adjustments.
Required Qualifications and Necessary Skills
· Current Illinois CRSS credential – a must!
· Lived experience with mental health recovery.
· Commitment to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care.
· Excellent communication skills.
· Ability to remain calm during crises.
· Reliable transportation.
· Minimum of two years' experience in behavioral health, peer support, recovery services, crisis services, or related human services.
· Commitment to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered care.
· Ability to relate effectively with individuals, community members, and staff of diverse backgrounds, personalities, and communication styles.
· Strong communication and organizational skills.
· Must possess good problem-solving skills, be resourceful, and take initiative when needed
· Strong customer service skills.
· Excellent computer skills including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and other databases as required.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Must be flexible and willing to support a non-profit by participating in fundraising events and other outreach activities.
· Ability to summarize and extrapolate key information from meetings and conversations to develop new forms and documents.
· Team player and collaborator.
Preferred
- Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in behavioral health, healthcare, human services, nonprofit programs, or a related field.
- Experience with crisis response or peer-run programs.
Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
