Rincon Family Services
Peer Support Specialist (CDPH)
Hiring Timeframe
2-4 Weeks
Experience
Intermediate-level
Location
On-Site
Benefits
401(K) Matching
Dental Insurance
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Job Description
Rincon Family Services is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) to join our multidisciplinary behavioral health team under the City of Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Mental Health Expansion Initiative.
The RSS plays a vital role in guiding individuals through their recovery journey using peer support, community outreach, and care coordination. Utilizing lived experience when appropriate, the RSS fosters hope, self-determination, and resilience while connecting participants to behavioral health services and essential community resources.
Job Responsibilities & Requirements
Key Responsibilities
- Direct Peer Support & Engagement:
- Build trusting, respectful relationships with participants using recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches.
- Share lived experience appropriately to encourage empowerment, self-advocacy, and resilience.
- Assist participants in setting personal wellness goals and mastering healthy coping strategies.
- Support participant retention in mental health and substance use treatment programs.
- Care Coordination & Resource Linkage:
- Connect participants to primary care, behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, transportation, and food assistance.
- Help participants navigate healthcare systems and address social determinants of health.
- Advocate for equitable, culturally responsive services and encourage attendance at appointments.
- Community Outreach & Engagement:
- Conduct community-based outreach, health fairs, and educational workshops to increase awareness and reduce mental health stigma.
- Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with local healthcare providers, schools, and social service agencies to reach underserved populations.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Compliance:
- Partner with Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs), therapists, and case managers in team consultations and case reviews.
- Complete accurate, timely clinical documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in compliance with grant and regulatory standards.
- Strict adherence to HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and corporate compliance privacy guidelines.
Position Qualifications & Requirements
- Education & Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Lived experience with recovery (mental health and/or substance use) used constructively in a professional peer capacity.
- Understanding of co-occurring disorders (MH/SUD) and community-based support systems.
- Skills & Core Competencies:
- Excellent active listening, verbal communication, and case management skills.
- Ability to communicate empathetically with diverse client populations and community partners.
- Strong recordkeeping skills and proficiency with electronic documentation.
- Additional Requirements:
- Fluency in Spanish and bicultural background strongly preferred.
- Ability to travel independently throughout the community via personal vehicle (valid driver’s license and insurance required) or public transit/rideshare.
- Must successfully pass pre-employment background screens, including Department of Human Services (DHS) clearance.