Peer Support - Engagement Specialist AM

Salary : $33,825.00 - $38,825.00 Annually

Location : Crisis Recovery Center, IL

Job Type: Full Time (40.0 hours per week)

Job Number: 26-01309

Service Unit: Behavioral Health Services

Department: Emergency Services

Opening Date: 04/10/2026

Description

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Your skills, experience, and passion are needed on our team. We are looking for two new team members to join us working as a Peer Support/Engagement Specialists in our Crisis Services programs. With the opening of the Crisis Recovery Center in September 2025, the DuPage County Health Department achieved a milestone in building the ideal behavioral health crisis system for our community. We have shifts available on our first shift, Thursday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. This position requires and valid driver's license and use of an automobile as the incumbent travels with the community. Crisis services staff work as a team to deliver quality care, and a quick response to residents in need. Click to learn more about our program.

As a DuPage County employee, you'll enjoy 12 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, paid sick time, 5 paid personal days and tuition and reimbursement certification to help you continue growing in your career. We also offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave, paid training and orientation. This position is pension-eligible through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), giving you peace of mind with a guaranteed retirement plan. Plus, you may qualify for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program, making your financial future even brighter. Our salary is based on experience and having or obtaining a CRSS certification.

Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference!

Responsibilities

Primary assignment is on the Substance Use Stabilization Unit, which includes Sobering Care and Withdrawal Management services for adults 18 and over.

Establishing rapport, sharing experiences, and strengthen engagement with individuals in substance use crisis.

Assisting in de-escalation of clients experiencing a mental health crisis through engagement with clients and coordination with team members providing clinical intervention.

Willing to self-disclose personal lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery (or both) for the benefit of supporting the individuals' receiving services.

Role model positive recovery behaviors with clients in Crisis Programs.

Provides skill building and case management to clients with high need.

Maintaining required training, licensure and/or certification.

Maintaining confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to client privacy laws.

Demonstrating sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures.

Adhering to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality.

Completing of required documentation within established timeframes, through use of an Electronic Client Record

Participating in team meetings to assess clients' progress.

Participating in emergency response activities as assigned.

Requirements

Two years of experience in the behavioral health field, including active participation in the recovery process; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. This role requires you to have a valid driver's license, along with your own personal vehicle that is reliable to drive while working in this role. You must also be able to attend our paid, onsite training and orientation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Position requires individual with lived recovery experience and will need to obtain the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential within one year of hire. The CRSS is a credential for those who provide mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental illness and substance use recovery support to others. A person with the CRSS credential uses unique insights gained through personal recovery experience.

Supplemental Information

As it is a requirement of the role, please see the following sites for more information about the CRSS credential, including the application process:

DuPage County Health Department offers a variety of benefits to meet your needs. Please visit on our Careers Page for more information.

Benefits for Employees

Employees of the DuPage County Health Department may select from a variety of benefits to meet their needs.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits.

Health Department benefits are administered through the DuPage County Government Human Resources Office. Detailed descriptions and premium rates of these plans are available at

Medical Insurance

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is our current health insurance provider. Full-Time Health Department employees may select from four medical insurance options: three preferred provider organization (PPO) plans and one health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. You may speak to a doctor anytime through the Teledoc program, which provides access to U.S. board-certified doctors through the convenience of phone or video consults.

Plan participants are also eligible for a variety of added discounts on gym memberships and other health-related products and services. They also have access to the Well on Target program, which provides a convenient, secure website with personalized tools and resources such as health coaching, health assessments, and digital tools to track health information important to you.

Vision Discounts & Insurance

A vision care discount program is available as part of the medical insurance plans. Comprehensive vision insurance is also available.

Prescription Plans

Prescription coverage is available with all medical plans and includes the convenience of a mail-order option. Staff may also use the on-site pharmacy at the Central Public Health Center located in Wheaton.

Dental Insurance

The Delta Dental PPO program allows you to visit any dentist you wish.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts allow you to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay expenses such as those not covered by medical or dental insurance, or day-care costs.

Life Insurance

All full-time employees are provided a $25,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee. Supplemental coverage is available for the employee, their spouse, and their children.

Disability Insurance

Employees may elect additional accident and critical illness disability benefits.

01

Do you have your Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential?

02

Will you be able to obtain the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential within 1 year of hire?

Yes

No

03

Do you have a valid driver's license?

Yes

No

04

Do you have a reliable vehicle to use while working?

Yes

No

Required Question