Community Engagement Specialist

This is a casual/variable hour position. CESs will receive an hourly rate for crisis calls, and a stipend for each on-call shift that they need to be available.  For on-call shifts, the staff must provide on-site assessment within 60 minutes.  We are centralized in Berwyn but travel north up to Oak Park, East to Cicero, South to Justice and West to La Grange. Most assessments on the weekend are at one of our 4 ERs- West Suburban, Rush Oak Park, LaGrange Memorial and MacNeal. 

On-call shifts include:  Weeknights:  5PM-9PM, 9 PM-8AM; Friday 9PM-9AM; Saturday:  9 AM- 9 PM and 9 PM – 9 AM; Sunday: 9AM-9PM and 9PM-8AM.   

Each CES should have availability for at least 8-12 shifts per month.  During each shift, the CES will be scheduled to either be the primary for answering the 24/7 hotline or be the primary for responding in the field to crisis calls.  The responsibilities will be shared and rotate amongst all Community Engagement Specialists.

CESs will receive a regular rate for training and calls through 9 pm and a premium rate for calls between 9P-8A M-F and on weekend shifts.

 

SUMMARY

Works with the Mobile Crisis Response team to respond to individuals in the community who are experiencing a mental health crisis.  This position works as a mental health peer specialist and supports the crisis response by utilizing de-escalation techniques, supporting the development of crisis safety plans, and coordinating immediate and post crisis follow-up care as necessary.  Assists individuals living with mental illness to identify and achieve specific life goals by utilizing unique insights gained through personal recovery experience. Utilizes experience to facilitate and support the recoveries of others and to help shape systems of care.

This position requires one to earn the CRSS credential. The Certified Recovery Support Specialist (“CRSS”) professional is trained to share and incorporate their own unique personal life experiences as a current or former consumer of mental health or combined mental illness and substance use disorders services, in providing peer-to-peer mental health, rehabilitation, and substance abuse services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Works with the Mobile Crisis Response team to support the team’s response either in person or virtually (if appropriate), to individual’s experiencing a mental health crisis. Provide on-site assessment within 60 minutes.

• Triages and dispatches telephone calls that come through the crisis line to the appropriate staff or department as needed. This is done on a rotating schedule.
• Assists in utilizing de-escalation techniques, in coordination with the MCR Therapist, with clients experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Utilizes own lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services to establish rapport, share experiences and strengthen engagement with the individual’s that have experienced a mental health crisis.
• Supports positive recovery behaviors with clients in Behavioral Health Crisis programs with a focus on identifying client strengths and needs, and linking individuals to additional resources and support systems to mitigate future crisis episodes
• May carry a small caseload for post-crisis follow-up activities that include skill building and case management to clients with high need
• Completes required crisis, de-escalation, and position trainings and certifications.
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to client privacy laws
• Demonstrates sensitivity and understanding of all communities and cultures
• Completes required documentation within established timeframes, through use of an Electronic Client Record
• Participates in specific program meetings, including required staff, line of service, and organizational meetings, and required trainings, and consultations.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).  Position requires one to be a current or former consumer of mental health or combined mental illness and substance use disorders services.  At least one (1) year of experience working in behavioral health, social services, human services or other related field.   Crisis intervention experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

The CRSS – Certified Recovery Support Specialist Certification obtained through the Illinois Certification Board, Inc. / IAODAPCA or ability to obtain this certification within 12 months of initial date of employment.

The Certified Recovery Support Specialist (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 to facilitate and support the recoveries of others and to help shape systems of care.

Persons with their CRSS infuse their work environments with hope and empowerment, and improve opportunities for others to:

• Develop hope for recovery
• Increase problem solving skills
• Develop natural support networks
• Participate fully in life in the community

The CRSS requirements are outlined in “Illinois Model for Mental Health Certified Recovery Support Specialist”.  To obtain the CRSS within 12 months of employment, the following is required:  · High school diploma or GED · 2,000 hours (one year full-time) supervised work experience, which can include any combination of paid or volunteer work · 100 hours supervision in the CRSS performance domains · 100 hours training and education related to CRSS domains, professional ethics and responsibility, and other core functions · Successful completion of a written exam for CRSS

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Work environment may include client homes and a general office environment.  Local travel, including transporting clients, is required.

OTHER

Must maintain a safe driving record and have current valid Illinois Driver’s License.  Personal vehicle needed for travel to/from community-based interventions.  Response requirements per our service contract require response periods to be within 60 minutes.  Reliable transportation is necessary for responding to crisis calls in a timely manner   Mileage for authorized work-related purposes is reimbursable.