Peer Support/Engagement Specialist - Part Time

Salary: $16.26 Hourly

Location : Crisis Recovery Center, IL

Job Type: Part Time

Job Number: 26-01324

Service Unit: Behavioral Health Services

Department: Emergency Services

Opening Date: 04/14/2026

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 a new team member to join us working in a part-time role as an Engagement Specialist Mobile Crisis Response team. This is an exciting opportunity to part of the expanding crisis services at the DuPage County Health Department on-site and in our community.

Located in our new Crisis Recovery Center on the DuPage County Campus in Wheaton, Crisis Services provides 24/7 crisis mental health services to county residents experiencing psychiatric crises or needing support for mental illness symptoms. Our team delivers top-notch care with rapid response times. Click to learn more about the Crisis Recovery Center.

We are looking for a new team member to join us working as a Peer Support Engagement Specialist on our second shift, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. *Salary may increase based on experience and receipt of CRSS certification. $2.00 per hour shift differential applies. As a part-time employee you will receive some accrued leave.

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. New employees are required to attend paid on-site, HR New Hire Orientation at our Central Public Health Center in Wheaton, during our day shift generally, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, for one week. Must have flexibility to work on the day shift for two weeks of additional training on site at the CRC.

Supplemental Information

Position requires individuals with lived 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 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.

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 is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

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.