Peer Engagement Specialist - Mobile Crisis Response - Substitute

The Peer Engagement Specialist, Mobile Crisis Response will work as part of a team responding to mental health crisis in the community. This position facilitates de-escalation, assessment, safety planning and direct connection to community resources with the goal of increasing stabilization and promoting overall safety. This position reports to the Team Leader, Mobile Crisis Response.

• Works collaboratively in a dyad to provide mobile crisis response including de-escalation, assessment, safety planning, and referral to community members experiencing a crisis.
• Responds to Thresholds crisis line and assesses caller to determine needs and level of intervention necessary. At implementation of the Statewide 988 crisis line, this position will field these referrals and make determinations on the appropriate level of response.
• Provides linkage to resources within the crisis continuum.
• Utilizes person-centered, recovery-oriented care that is rooted in evidence-based practices aimed at assessing crisis and determining appropriate safety planning.
• Collaborates with existing continuum resources and project stakeholders.
• Develops resources within the agency and/or community.
• Fosters relationships with other community providers.
• Participates in the assessment of members to determine the need for service. Identifies and investigates available resources, explains options available to the patient and assists in the application process.
• Advocates and assists with problem solving/resolution that will help the member access and utilize support from the community.
• Meets required targets and completes all documentation within assigned time frames.
• The Engagement Specialist will use their personal recovery experiences to facilitate and support the recovery of others. Through their experience, they will help member navigate the mental health system, encourage participation, and reinforce person-centered treatment.
• Helps the member identify their options and participate in all decisions related to establishing and achieving stability.
• Assists the member to develop problem-solving skills so they can respond to challenges to their recovery.
• May be required to communicate significant information regarding members to other staff, collateral agencies or leadership. Provides accurate and timely information to immediate Supervisor on all topics and issues related to the operation of the agency and the well-being of members.

• Candidates meeting requirements for a Mental Health Professional (MHP) required.

• Experience working with persons diagnosed with mental illness preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of recovery process and models.
• Ability to teach and guide others through recovery process. Ability to lead peer-to-peer support groups. Ability to empower and motivate others.
• Ability to recognize stigma. Knowledge of illness, medications and treatment. Understanding of the mental health system and how it works.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as an effective team player.
• Must obtain and maintain $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 bodily injury and liability insurance. Subject to validation every six months.
• May be required to provide transportation for members of the program using a Thresholds provided vehicle or personal vehicle. Must be 23 years of age and must meet all insurance carrier's requirements. Subject to annual Department of Motor Vehicles license verification.

• CRSS - Certified Recovery Support Specialist Certification obtained through the Illinois Certification Board, Inc. Candidates must be willing to obtain CRSS within initial six months of employment.