Position Title: Mobile Recovery Support Specialist Location: McHenry County, Illinois Reports To: Director of Recovery Support Services Status: Part-time, hourly role (20 hours per week) Pay: 20–24/hour, depending on experience
NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI McHenry County is a local affiliate of NAMI. Our mission is to give our community a safe place to find hope and support on the journey to improve mental health.
Position Description:
The Mobile Recovery Support Specialist is an individual living well in recovery who is willing to utilize their own lived experience to provide non-clinical peer support, promote recovery, reduce stigma, and instill a sense of hope in those we serve. Through NAMI McHenry County's Mobile Recovery Support program, the Specialist will bring mental health support and resources directly into the community, meeting individuals where they are and reducing barriers to accessing services.
Utilizing NAMI's mobile peer support vehicle, the Specialist will coordinate and staff opportunities to provide peer support throughout McHenry County. A significant focus of this position will be reaching rural communities, individuals with limited English proficiency, and other underserved populations who may experience barriers to accessing traditional mental health services.
The Mobile Recovery Support Specialist will build and maintain relationships with community organizations, including food pantries, libraries, community centers, faith-based organizations, and other community-based service providers, to establish recurring and one-time opportunities for mobile peer support. While a significant portion of this position will be spent in the community providing direct services, the Specialist will also dedicate time to outreach, scheduling, relationship-building, and administrative responsibilities.
This is a cross-functional position that bridges NAMI's Recovery Support and Education & Engagement teams. The Mobile Recovery Support Specialist will report to the Director of Recovery Support Services and will receive training, supervision, and ongoing professional development from the Recovery Support team. The Specialist will be trained by the Living Room team and will be expected to adhere to all applicable Living Room policies, procedures, safety protocols, and documentation requirements when providing services in the community.
The Specialist will work closely with the Education & Engagement team to identify community-based opportunities, develop and strengthen community partnerships, coordinate outreach efforts, and further the organization's commitment to reaching underserved populations throughout McHenry County. The Specialist will actively participate in relevant outreach planning efforts to ensure mobile peer support is integrated into NAMI's broader community engagement strategy.
The ideal candidate will be a people-person, an excellent communicator, and a self-starter who is comfortable working independently and building relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Specialist must be comfortable providing one-on-one peer support, including supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis within the scope of their training.
The Mobile Recovery Support Specialist is expected to work towards obtaining their Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification while employed at NAMI.
As NAMI continues to grow rapidly, the Mobile Recovery Support Specialist should be excited about having a say in the future of the organization. We work within a collaborative leadership model, meaning that everyone is expected to come to the table with ideas to improve our organization.
This role is in-person and will involve regular travel throughout McHenry County using NAMI's mobile peer support vehicle, as well as time spent at our Crystal Lake office. Due to the nature of this position, the Specialist must have flexibility with their schedule, including regular evening and weekend hours.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Mobile Recovery Support & Recovery Services
- Provide compassionate, person-centered, non-clinical peer support to individuals in community-based settings throughout McHenry County.
- Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for individuals seeking mental health support.
- Assist participants in identifying their strengths, recovery and wellness goals, barriers, and strategies for achieving their personal goals.
- Provide peer support to individuals experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, following established Living Room protocols and appropriate de-escalation procedures.
- Utilize and encourage techniques for problem-solving, identifying and combating negative self-talk, identifying and overcoming fears, and developing healthy coping strategies.
- Promote the use of self-directed recovery tools and encourage individuals to access clinical treatment and other appropriate services when needed.
- Connect individuals with NAMI programs, community resources, and other mental health services, facilitating referrals and warm handoffs when appropriate.
- Support participants in developing self-advocacy skills, social connections, and confidence in navigating their recovery.
- Provide appropriate follow-up with individuals served, in accordance with program policies and procedures.
Community Outreach & Partnership Development
- Identify, coordinate, schedule, and staff opportunities to provide mobile peer support throughout McHenry County.
- Prioritize outreach efforts in rural communities and among underserved populations, particularly individuals who experience geographic, transportation, language, financial, or other barriers to accessing mental health services.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, including food pantries, libraries, community centers, faith-based organizations, municipalities, and other service providers.
- Establish recurring mobile peer support opportunities at community partner locations to build trust, increase awareness, and promote continuity of support.
- Maintain an organized calendar of mobile peer support opportunities and communicate upcoming activities with relevant staff and community partners.
- Work closely with the Education & Engagement team to leverage existing community relationships, identify new partnerships, and coordinate shared outreach opportunities.
- Participate in relevant Education & Engagement outreach planning meetings and contribute to the organization's broader community engagement efforts.
- Collaborate with the Education & Engagement team to promote mobile peer support opportunities and increase awareness of NAMI's programs and services.
- Represent NAMI McHenry County at community events, resource fairs, and other outreach opportunities as appropriate.
- Identify gaps in community access to mental health services and communicate emerging needs and opportunities to the Director of Recovery Support Services and Education & Engagement team.
Apply Unique Recovery Experience
- Appropriately self-disclose and share personal experiences of mental health recovery to instill hope and empower others.
- Model effective coping techniques, self-help strategies, healthy boundaries, and self-care as an ambassador of mental health recovery.
- Utilize personal experiences to facilitate meaningful connections and support individuals in identifying their own paths to recovery.
- Promote recovery-oriented, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches in all interactions.
- Work to reduce stigma surrounding mental health conditions and accessing mental health support.
Mobile Recovery Support Vehicle Operations & Safety
- Safely operate NAMI's mobile peer support vehicle throughout McHenry County in accordance with all applicable laws and organizational policies.
- Ensure the vehicle is clean, organized, appropriately stocked, and prepared for each mobile peer support opportunity.
- Complete required vehicle inspections, mileage logs, and other vehicle-related documentation.
- Communicate vehicle maintenance needs, safety concerns, or operational issues to the appropriate staff.
- Ensure mobile peer support services are delivered in settings that support participant and staff safety, accessibility, privacy, and confidentiality.
- Follow all established safety, emergency response, incident reporting, and crisis de-escalation procedures.
- Maintain regular communication with designated Recovery Support staff while providing services in the community, in accordance with established safety protocols.
Documentation, Compliance & Team Responsibilities
- Participate in onboarding, training, supervision, and ongoing professional development provided by the Recovery Support and Living Room teams.
- Adhere to all applicable Living Room policies, procedures, documentation standards, and service delivery protocols when providing mobile peer support.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support encounters, referrals, follow-up, and other required information in NAMI's electronic health record (EHR) system.
- Track outreach activities, community partnerships, individuals reached, and other program outcomes necessary for grant reporting and program evaluation.
- Participate in relevant Recovery Support team meetings, peer supervision, and case consultations as appropriate.
- Maintain regular communication with the Director of Recovery Support Services regarding program activities, scheduling, community needs, participant concerns, and program outcomes.
- Work collaboratively across departments to ensure the effective delivery and continued growth of mobile peer support services.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all organizational policies, ethical standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Contribute to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the Mobile Recovery Support program.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education/Experience
- High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
- Obtained or are working toward the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential through the State of Illinois, with the expectation of completing certification within one year of hire.
- Must be willing to appropriately self-disclose personal lived experience as a recipient of mental health or dual diagnosis services.
- Two or more years of relevant experience preferred, including employment, volunteer, and internship opportunities.
- Experience providing peer support, working in community-based services, or supporting individuals living with mental health conditions preferred.
- Experience in community outreach, relationship-building, or program coordination preferred.
- Familiarity with McHenry County and its community resources preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, with the ability to learn electronic health record systems and other technology.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and successfully pass a motor vehicle record check.
- Must successfully pass a background check in accordance with applicable State of Illinois requirements and NAMI McHenry County policies.
Interpersonal
- A people-person with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrates warmth, empathy, insight, and respect for people living with mental health conditions.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals from underserved communities.
- Demonstrates cultural humility and a commitment to equitable access to mental health services.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment in community-based settings.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple outreach opportunities and responsibilities.
- Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately when supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress.
- Acts within ethical standards and demonstrates healthy professional boundaries.
- Ability to advocate for, motivate, and empower others.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with participants, staff, and community partners.
- Willingness to work collaboratively across departments and contribute to a positive organizational culture.
- Flexibility with scheduling, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to NAMI McHenry County's mission.
Physical Abilities
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and travel regularly throughout McHenry County.
- Ability to enter and exit the mobile peer support vehicle and work in a variety of community-based environments.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, including program materials and outreach supplies.
- Ability to utilize a computer, telephone, and other technology necessary to perform job responsibilities.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Benefits for Part-Time Employees
- Cell phone reimbursement.
- Relaxed dress code at the discretion of your supervisor.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities sponsored by NAMI McHenry County.
- An amazing mission and culture!
