Recovery Support Specialist

Homeless/Community Support Team RSS

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) is responsible for providing recovery-oriented support services to individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and behavioral health challenges. The RSS utilizes lived experience, recovery principles, and peer support strategies to help individuals build stability, develop coping skills, and connect to community resources.

Services are primarily delivered in community settings including clients’ homes, shelters, and community locations. The RSS works closely with case managers and other HCST staff to support individuals in achieving housing stability, recovery goals, and increased independence.

Salary: $36,500-$47,500

Location: Joliet, IL

Shift: Full-time; Variable weekday; 2 evening shifts per week

REPORTS TO:

Program Coordinator

NETWORK OR DEPARTMENT:

Network 9

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide recovery-focused peer support and engagement to individuals served through HCST programs
  • Share lived experience in a professional manner to promote hope and recovery
  • Assist individuals with service and wellness planning
  • Support clients in developing coping skills, daily living skills, and recovery strategies
  • Conduct outreach and community engagement to connect individuals to services
  • Assist individuals in accessing community resources including housing, medical care, employment, and behavioral health services, which may include providing transportation
  • Facilitate or assist with recovery-focused groups and activities
  • Attend required team meetings, supervision, and program trainings
  • Complete required documentation and progress notes in accordance with agency and program guidelines
  • Collaborate with the HCST team to coordinate services and support housing stability

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong empathy, active listening, and communication skills with an ability to build trust and rapport.
• Ability to engage and support individuals with diverse backgrounds and complex needs.
• Skilled in facilitating group discussions and peer-led recovery or support groups.
• Knowledge of community resources and services related to mental health, substance use, and recovery.
• Comfortable using technology to complete documentation, communicate with team members, and access resources.
• Capacity to remain calm and supportive in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries while maintaining a peer-centered approach.
• Non-judgmental mindset and commitment to promoting hope, recovery, and empowerment. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Be able to lift over 40 pounds from floor to waist unassisted
• Be able to push and pull 75 pounds
• Be able to complete deep knee squats
• Be able to push wheelchairs up to 200 pounds
• Remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Operate motor vehicles
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment
• Physical activities that could be used include: driving, balancing, pulling, pushing, standing, climbing, grasping, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and repetitive motion.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED required
  • Lived experience with recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges preferred
  • Ability to engage individuals using recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approaches
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently in community settings
  • Basic computer skills and ability to complete required documentation
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred

CLASSIFICATION:

Nonexempt

DISCLAIMER:

Duties and responsibilities may change, and new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

STATEMENT:

Trinity Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.  In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates.  Trinity Services, Inc. prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.  Trinity Services, Inc. conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Certification Requirement

Employees hired into the Recovery Support Specialist role are required to obtain the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential within one year of hire and maintain certification in accordance with state guidelines.

Work Environment

This position is primarily community-based and may involve travel within the service area. Services are provided in homes, shelters, community locations, and office settings.

About HCST

The Homeless & Community Support Team (HCST) provides housing and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges. HCST programs focus on housing stability, recovery, and community integration through person-centered and trauma-informed care.