Job Description

SUMMARY

Works with the Mobile Crisis Response team to respond to individuals in the community who are experiencing a mental health crisis. This position works as a mental health peer specialist and supports the crisis response by utilizing de-escalation techniques, supporting the development of crisis safety plans, and coordinating immediate and post crisis follow-up care as necessary. Assists individuals living with mental illness to identify and achieve specific life goals by utilizing unique insights gained through personal recovery experience. Utilizes experience to facilitate and support the recoveries of others and to help shape systems of care.

For on-call shifts, the Community Engagement Specialist must provide an in-person response within 60 minutes to provide on-site assessment to community locations, hospitals, or client homes. As of summer 2026, our service area is expanding and will include areas south of O'Hare to Hickory Hills and Justice; West towards Lombard, Elmhurst and Hinsdale, and East towards Berwyn, Cicero, and Burbank.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Works with the Mobile Crisis Response team to support the team's response either in person or virtually (if appropriate), to individual's experiencing a mental health crisis. Provide on-site assessment within 60 minutes.

• Triages and dispatches telephone calls that come through the crisis line to the appropriate staff or department as needed. This is done on a rotating schedule.
• Assists in utilizing de-escalation techniques, in coordination with the MCR Clinician, with clients experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Utilizes own lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services to establish rapport, share experiences and strengthen engagement with the individual's that have experienced a mental health crisis.
• Supports positive recovery behaviors with clients in Behavioral Health Crisis programs with a focus on identifying client strengths and needs, and linking individuals to additional resources and support systems to mitigate future crisis episodes
• May carry a small caseload for post-crisis follow-up activities that include skill building and case management to clients with high need
• Completes required crisis, de-escalation, and position trainings and certifications.
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to client privacy laws
• Demonstrates sensitivity and understanding of all communities and cultures
• Completes required documentation within established timeframes, through use of an Electronic Client Record
• Participates in specific program meetings, including required staff, line of service, and organizational meetings, and required trainings, and consultations.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED). Position requires one to be a current or former consumer of mental health or combined mental illness and substance use disorders services. At least one (1) year of experience working in behavioral health, social services, human services or other related field. Crisis intervention experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

This position encourages one to work towards earning the CRSS credential. The Certified Recovery Support Specialist ("CRSS") professional is trained to share and incorporate their own unique personal life experiences as a current or former consumer of mental health or combined mental illness and substance use disorders services, in providing peer-to-peer mental health, rehabilitation, and substance abuse services. For more information, please see details below marked by **

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work environment may include client homes and a general office environment. Local travel, including transporting clients, is required.

OTHER

Must maintain a safe driving record and have current valid Illinois Driver's License. Personal vehicle needed for travel to/from community-based interventions. Response requirements per our service contract require response periods to be within 60 minutes. Reliable transportation is necessary for responding to crisis calls in a timely manner Mileage for authorized work-related purposes is reimbursable.

SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONS

Shifts which include:

Weeknights: Monday through Thursday 7PM to 7AM.

Weekends: Friday 5PM to 9PM, 5 PM-7 AM, and 7PM-7AM; Saturday: 7 AM- 7 PM and 7 PM– 7 AM;

Sunday: 7AM-7PM and 7PM-7AM.

Holidays: Required to cover at least 2 Holiday shifts per year

Expectations for monthly scheduling:

Availability for the upcoming month must be submitted by the 5th of each month (Ex: the calendar for the month of August must be submitted by July 5th)

• Each staff must provide 15-20 shift options
• Shift availability must be distributed throughout the month
• Shift availability must include weekday and weekend shifts

The calendar is published the 15th of the current month, and the employee is responsible for reviewing the calendar and reporting any issues within 3 business days

**CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

This position encourages one to work towards earning the CRSS credential. The Certified Recovery Support Specialist ("CRSS") professional is trained to share and incorporate their own unique personal life experiences as a current or former consumer of mental health or combined mental illness and substance use disorders services, in providing peer-to-peer mental health, rehabilitation, and substance abuse services. The CRSS - Certified Recovery Support Specialist Certification can be obtained through the Illinois Certification Board, Inc. / IAODAPCA Persons with their CRSS infuse their work environments with hope and empowerment, and improve opportunities for others to:

• Develop hope for recovery
• Increase problem solving skills
• Develop natural support networks
• Participate fully in life in the community

The CRSS requirements are outlined in "Illinois Model for Mental Health Certified Recovery Support Specialist". To obtain the CRSS, the following is required: · High school diploma or GED · 2,000 hours supervised work experience, which can include any combination of paid or volunteer work · 100 hours supervision in the CRSS performance domains · 100 hours training and education related to CRSS domains, professional ethics and responsibility, and other core functions · Successful completion of a written exam for CRSS

PAY & BENEFIT INFORMATION

Regular rate of pay: $20.80 per hour

*The regular rate is for training, meetings, documentation, and response to calls through 9 pm.

After Hours Response Rate: $31.21 per hour

*The response rate is for after-hours calls in the evening after 9 pm, starting at 5 pm on Fridays, and on weekend shifts.

Holiday Response Rate:

*The holiday response rate will be $41.60 per hour when responding to calls on PCH observed holidays and holiday eves, when business hours close at 5 pm.

Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) retirement plan, accrual of paid time off for vacation, sick, personal time. Professional development membership to Relias Essential Learning. Reimbursement for position related certifications