Peer Support Specialist - Williams Consent Decree

Salary: $18.23 Hourly

Location : Addictions Treatment & Crisis Care Program Building - Waukegan, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 16001

Department: Health Department

Division: Behavioral Health

Opening Date: 11/07/2024

Sign-On Bonus: $1,500.00

Pay Grade: 1

General Description

The Peer Support Specialist is a valuable member to our Williams Consent Decree team who provides support to clients based on own experiences. Responsible for engaging and motivating identified population to seek needed services. Explains, guides, supports and assists clients with goals of improved stability and self-sufficiency, independent living, self-advocacy, and development of supportive relationships. Responsible for assisting individuals with serious mental illness to increase skills in the areas of independent living and self-advocacy. Co-leads client activities.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who

• Use lived experience that relates to the individuals being served with empathy.
• Be patient and have basic knowledge about recovery, such as mental health, and drug/alcohol addiction.
• Engage verbally and non-verbally with clients with excellent communication skills.
• Approachable, a team player, nonjudgmental, dependable, and reliable.
• Ability to drive clients to appointments and other designated areas as needed for program support.

Schedule: 37.5 hours a week

• Hours will be rotating weekends 8-2 Saturdays and 8-12 Sundays
• Rotating Evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-6
• Days you are not rotating, hours will be regular 8-4 M-F

Essential Functions

• Assists in the planning and implementation of activities of the Drop-In Center
• Assists in the development and leading of mental health recovery groups.
• Assists in the development and leading of advocacy training groups.
• Provides supportive peer counseling.
• Assists in implementing independent living skills and leading independent living skills classes and groups.
• Assist with transportation of client(s) to and from home and outings
• Assists in providing community consultation and education, as assigned.
• Assists in the development and facilitation of training to clients and the community.
• Explains LCHD programs to clients and/or family
• Assists family through the intake, referral, and connection with other agencies.
• Provides support and advocacy for families receiving services.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• High school diploma, G.E.D. certificate is required.
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) is preferred, but not required.
• Requires one year of direct and personal experience with the mental health system as a primary consumer of services.
• Requires valid driver's license and insurance.

Supplemental Information

As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at

Currently, you must reside in Illinois or Wisconsin to work for the Lake County Health Department. Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

Here at the Health Department, we are proud to employ a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals focused on promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and collaboration, enabling each employee to perform at their maximum potential and to more effectively work with clients, patients, and employees. We offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Paid Time Off to support work-life balance
• IMRF Pension and 457 retirement plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement

You can find more details on our benefits on our website at

01

Do you have a current and valid driver's license and automobile insurance?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires regular driving of clients to various points throughout Lake County using a Lake County vehicle. Driving times can exceed one hour or more, several times per day. Would you be able to handle this amount of regular driving?

• Yes
• No

03

What is you basic knowledge of Williams Consent Decree Program?

04

How would you use your lived experience to support clients in this program?

05

What is your basic knowledge of how mental health and drug addiction have affected the lives of people?

06

How would you handle a situation if a friend, family member, or someone you don't know were in a mental health or drug/alcohol crisis and needed assistance?

07

Do you see yourself as approachable, non-judgmental, dependable/reliable, good at communication, empathic, and a good team player?

• Yes
• No

Required Question