MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST I

at Department of Human Services in Elgin, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

 

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist I for the Elgin Forensic Treatment Center located in Elgin, Illinois.  Functions as a patient liaison to Facility Treatment Teams regarding identified service issues. Coordinates and facilitates Facility wellness activities, including the implementation of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates consumer study/survey data. Collaborates with the Clinical Director, Facility Quality Manager and other Facility Clinical leadership in representing the Facility to community groups. Provides information regarding patient/family service needs and expectations to Facility staff. Attends statewide and community meetings. Participates in the statewide Recovery Services Development Group (RSDG). 

• Serves as a Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist (MHRSS), functioning as a patient’s liaison to his/her Facility Treatment Team regarding identified forensic service issues.


• Coordinates and facilitates Facility wellness activities, including the implementation of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups and the enhancement of Trauma Informed Care, including the establishment of service enhancements, such as comfort rooms and soothing kits.


• Collaborates with the Facility Quality Manager to review, analyze and evaluate patient study/survey data, utilizing the collected data to identify and highlight trends, patterns and outcomes.


• Collaborates with the Clinical Director, Facility Quality Manager and other Facility Clinical leadership in representing the Facility to community groups requesting information concerning mental health issues, wellness and recovery, the empowerment of consumers and families, and recovery-oriented services.


• Provides expertise regarding patient/family service needs and expectations to Facility staff.  


• Attends statewide and community meetings for the purposes of informing and representing consumer issues, identifying statewide and Region services and resources and addressing quality of care and/or continuum of care issues.


• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree in one of the social sciences or related area and one (1) year of experience performing peer support work within a mental health program setting.


• Must be a current or former consumer of mental health services and willing to self-identify. 


• Requires evidence of certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS). 

• One (1) year of professional experience providing recovery-oriented practices and techniques, peer support services and encouraging consumers to adopt wellness practices and goals.  


• One (1) year of professional experience articulating personal experience relevant to the obstacles and successes of their own recovery.


• One (1) year of professional experience advocating for patients and family members providing information concerning patient rights and responsibilities.


• One (1) year of professional experience working with policies, procedures and regulations associated with patient rights matters, care and support systems.

• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.  


• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including computers.<