Recovery Support Associate

Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Recovery Support Supervisor

Office Location: 224 West Hill, Suite 410. Chicago IL; Frequent and consistent physical presence inside of a Specialized Mental Health Rehab facility (SMHRF)/Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) to support Class Members

Background:

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey. NAMI Chicago seeks to fill gaps in Chicago's mental health system, with an intentional emphasis on racial equity and breaking down barriers to care.

Responsibilities:

• Establishes a frequent and consistent physical presence inside of a Specialized Mental Health Rehab facility (SMHRF)/Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) to support Class Members
• Provides 1 on 1 engagement and recovery support pre and post transition with navigating the CCMTP journey
• Conducts community meetings/forums and informational question and answer sessions hosted in SMHRF or SNF
• Provides skill building assistance and program education
• Provides advocacy and follow up with service providers on behalf of Class Member
• Provides additional linkage to community resources and supports in collaboration with Prime Agencies
• Shares his/her recovery story as relevant to the authorized Class Member to assist her/him in their own recovery
• Implements NAMI Chicago support programming within SMHRF/SNF
• Maintains official records and reports to program staff as needed and scheduled
• Provides the following services: Temporary social and emotional support; Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP); Teaching coping and community adjustment skills; Linking class members with important community resources; Assisting the client with getting comfortable participating in natural community supports; Providing a source of encouragement and hope
• Facilitates Peer support groups on behalf of NAMI Chicago
• Lead Peer-led trainings on behalf of NAMI Chicago
• Performs other duties as assigned

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated commitment to serving underrepresented and vulnerable populations, including social and racial/ethnic minorities as well as those living with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders
• Willing to work in a diverse environment in regard to race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and gender
• Candidate will have firsthand knowledge/experience living with a mental health condition
• Demonstrated sensitivity and compassion
• Demonstrated interpersonal and public relations skills
• Understanding of local mental health resources
• Able to travel across greater Chicago
• Well organized
• Basic computer skills

Requirements

 Minimum Qualifications: 

• Candidates will possess a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential OR will obtain one of these credentials within 18 months of employment at NAMI Chicago.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Valid Illinois driver's license with daily access to vehicle. Must have $100,000/$300,000 auto liability insurance 

Welcomed Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish
• Experience with the CCMTP

Available Benefits:  

• Company sponsored wellness activities. 
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits.  
• Company sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance and Long-Term Disability. 
• 401k Retirement plan. 
• Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Short Term Disability Coverage. 
• Generous PTO. 

Base Rate: $23/hour