About the Department

The Peer Support Specialist is a valuable member of our Williams Consent Decree team who provides support to clients based on their own experiences.

Responsible for engaging and motivating the identified population to seek needed services.
Explains, guides, supports, and assists clients with goals of improved stability and self-sufficiency, independent living, self-advocacy, and development of supportive relationships.
Responsible for assisting individuals with serious mental illness to increase skills in the areas of independent living and self-advocacy. Co-leads client activities.

Schedule: 24 hours a week

Monday & Tuesday (8:00 am-4:00 pm)
Saturday (8:00 am-4:00 pm)

Position Duties

Assists in the planning and implementation of activities of the Drop-In Center
Assists in the development and leading of mental health recovery groups.
Assists in the development and leading of advocacy training groups.
Provides supportive peer counseling.
Assists in implementing independent living skills and leading independent living skills classes and groups.
Assist with transportation of client(s) to and from home and outings
Assists in providing community consultation and education, as assigned.
Assists in the development and facilitation of training to clients and the community.
Explains LCHD programs to clients and/or family
Assists family through the intake, referral, and connection with other agencies.
Provides support and advocacy for families receiving services.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required;
Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) strongly preferred.
Requires one year of direct and personal experience with the mental health system as a primary consumer of services. Demonstrated ability to utilize lived experience to provide peer support, advocacy, and encouragement to clients.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.
Requires use of personal vehicle when an LCHD fleet vehicle is not available for outreach activities or to respond to crisis calls in the field.

Other Qualifications

As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department.

At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4515/Salary-Grades. For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2686/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.This position is represented by AFSCME Council 31

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

Benefits

Here at the Health Department, we are proud to employ a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals focused on promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and collaboration, enabling each employee to perform at their maximum potential and to more effectively work with clients, patients, and employees. We offer:

Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
Paid Time Off to support work-life balance
IMRF Pension and 457 retirement plans
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition Reimbursement

You can find more details on our benefits on our website at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department/p/benefits.

Supplemental Questions

Do you have a current and valid driver's license and automobile insurance?

This position requires regular driving of clients to various points throughout Lake County using a Lake County vehicle. Driving times can exceed one hour or more, several times per day. Would you be able to handle this amount of regular driving?

What is you basic knowledge of Williams Consent Decree Program?

How would you use your lived experience to support clients in this program?

What is your basic knowledge of how mental health and drug addiction have affected the lives of people?

How would you handle a situation if a friend, family member, or someone you don't know were in a mental health or drug/alcohol crisis and needed assistance?

Do you see yourself as approachable, non-judgmental, dependable/reliable, good at communication, empathic, and a good team player?

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Lake County
Department: Health Department
Address: 3010 Grand Avenue

Waukegan, Illinois, 60085
Phone: 847-377-8000
Website: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/148/Health-Department-Community-Health-Cente

Peer Support Specialist/Zion - Part Time