The Link and Option Center, Inc.·South Holland, Illinois
Provide peer support and crisis de-escalation for guests with serious mental illnesses in a respite center environment. Assist guests in developing recovery goals and Wellness Recovery Action Plans while modeling healthy coping skills.
PROGRAM: Mobile Crisis
Position Title: Recovery Support Specialist
Reports to: Mobile Crisis Response Coordinator
Part-Time (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Saturday and Sunday)
The Living Room is a crisis respite center in the Hazel Crest community offering free and confidential services for anyone going through a mental health crisis. We aim to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and arrests and provide a safe, home-like environment.
We are looking for Recovery Support Specialists, Part-time, 8-hour shifts, Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 p.m., (a 24/7/365 days a year program) for the facilities, activities, support and de-escalation of behavior for Guests.
Recovery Support Specialists have lived experience with mental illness or knowledge of it and utilize this in order to connect and empathize with Guests. You do not need to have a college degree or a degree in a psychology/social work-related field for the position.
You are expected to complete the Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist training within one year of hire.
The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) will provide peer support services to Guests in The Living Room Program with serious mental illnesses and other co-occurring disorders. The RSS will assist Guests in de-escalating crisis situations using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. The RSS will function as a role model to peers by exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills. The RSS will coordinate a variety of activities and tasks aimed at assisting clients in regaining control of their lives and the recovery process.
· Creating a welcoming, accepting, and calm environment in The Living Room.
· Assisting Guests in de-escalating crisis situations using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach.
· Educating, modeling, encouraging and supporting Guests on managing crisis using a variety of tools, including but not limited to personal recovery stories, coping techniques and self-help strategies.
· Utilize and teach problem-solving techniques with Guests as well as how to identify and combat negative self-talk and fears.
· Assisting Guests in articulating personal goals for recovery. Assist Guests in developing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) based on the Guest’s individual wellness and recovery goals.
· Promoting the Guest’s self-advocacy skills. Assisting Guests in development of empowerment skills and combating stigma through self-advocacy.
· Transport Guests to locations within Chicagoland.
· High School Diploma or GED and 2,000 hours (one year) paid/supervised work experience.
· Personal lived experience with mental health illness and having been in recovery for at least one year.
· Current certification as a Mental Health Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS) preferred, or the ability to become certified as a CRSS within one year of employment.
· Knowledge of the Recovery process and the ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes.
· Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the ability to assist the Guest to address symptoms using strategies such as positive self-talk.
· Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
· A valid driver’s license and insurance.
· Availability to work weekends.
Receive MANDATORY initial Living Room Program training by: · Completing a two-hour DMH video-based training
· Complete 16 hours of CRSS/CPRS Competency Training.
· All staff are expected to become Certified Recovery Specialists (CRSS) within 1 year of being hired.
Requires a high school diploma or GED, one year of supervised work experience, and personal lived experience with mental health recovery. Must possess a valid driver's license and obtain CRSS certification within one year of hire.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.
