Peer Support Specialist, Behavioral Health Ur

Excitement abounds at Heritage Behavioral Health Center!

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on patient care - regardless of the position they hold.

Why join us?

• We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• We are expanding our primary care, mental health and substance use services to individuals in Central Illinois and beyond and are looking for dedicated staff to meet the needs of our clientele.
• Our salaries have been updated and are competitive at both the state and national levels with wonderful benefits.
• Full-time employees receive 56 paid days off during their 1^st year of employment (this includes every other Friday off PAID for your wellness needs). This increases to 61 days the 2^nd year and continues to increase with tenure.
• We have expanded our employee insurance benefit offerings and made them more affordable.

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff's needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

We are pleased to present the following position for your consideration:

Overview: Peer Support Specialist, Behavioral Health Urgent Care

The Peer Support Specialist in the Behavioral Health Urgent Care provides immediate support to established clients who present without an appointment, helping them identify and address their presenting needs. This role utilizes lived experience to engage and support clients in crisis, promote recovery-oriented solutions, and facilitate coordination of care with the primary care team.

Core Responsibilities:

• Meet with established clients presenting to Behavioral Health Urgent Care without an appointment to provide immediate peer support.
• Utilize lived experience to engage and build rapport with clients experiencing mental health or substance use-related crises.
• Assist clients in identifying their immediate needs and collaborate with them to develop a plan to address those needs using wellness recovery action planning techniques.
• Provide education, advocacy, and guidance to clients in alignment with recovery principles and trauma-informed care.
• Coordinate with primary care team members, including case managers, therapists, and medical providers, to ensure follow-up care is scheduled and completed.
• Offer linkage to additional services, including community resources, crisis stabilization, and peer support groups.
• Document interactions and interventions in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Participate in ongoing training and supervision to enhance skills and maintain required certifications.
• Provide other duties as assigned, required or specifically negotiated with supervisor

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Active Listening & Communication: Ability to listen with empathy, validate client experiences, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Peer Engagement & Relationship Building: Strong skills in building trust and rapport with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Ability to help clients identify their needs, explore options, and develop practical next steps.
• Crisis Intervention & De-escalation: Skills to support individuals in distress, maintain a calm presence, and engage in problem-solving to ensure safety.
• Time Management & Organization: Ability to manage multiple interactions efficiently and ensure proper follow-up with the care team.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including case managers, therapists, and medical providers.
• Basic Technology Skills: Competence in using electronic health records (EHR), email, and Microsoft Office applications for documentation and communication.
• Recovery-Oriented Practices: Understanding of recovery principles, self-determination, and peer support best practices.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Knowledge of how trauma impacts individuals and how to engage clients in a supportive, non-retraumatizing manner.
• Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders: General knowledge of behavioral health conditions, co-occurring disorders, and available treatment and recovery resources.
• Community Resources & Support Services: Familiarity with local crisis services, housing supports, food assistance, and other relevant community resources.
• Use Lived Experience Effectively: Ability to share personal recovery experiences appropriately to inspire and empower clients.
• Maintain Professional Boundaries: Ability to support clients while maintaining appropriate professional and ethical boundaries.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to respond to changing client needs and work in a fast-paced, sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Empathy & Nonjudgmental Approach: Ability to connect with individuals without stigma or bias, offering unconditional positive regard.
• Self-Awareness & Resilience: Ability to engage in self-care, recognize personal triggers, and seek supervision or support when needed.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds

Education and Experience:

1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. A valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance coverage are required.
3. Must have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and be in sustained recovery.
4. Certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) preferred or willingness to obtain certification within a specified timeframe.

The ideal candidate will have experience in peer support, mental health, substance use recovery, or crisis intervention is strongly preferred.

Salary Range: $37,440 - $45,760 per year (dependent on education and experience)

Heritage also offers the following with this position:

1. Generous vacation, sick and personal leave
2. WELLNESS days - 26 days per year (every other Friday off paid)
3. Paid holidays - 9 in 2025
4. Health Club/Fitness Reimbursement
5. Employee Assistance Program
6. Continuing education opportunities
7. Tuition assistance program
8. Agency provided life insurance and short-term disability policies
9. Retirement plans (401k and Roth)
10. Optional insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. (The health insurance benefit includes substantial agency contribution towards the cost.)
11. We are a National Health Service Corp site which gives staff access to the National Health Service Corp federal student loan forgiveness program (LCPC, LCSW, MD, APN, RN, CADC, LSW, and LPC individuals). For more information, visit www.hrsa.gov.