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Peer Support Specialist - Community Outreach Intervention Project, School of Public Health

University of Illinois Chicago
life insurance, paid time off, retirement plan
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Apr 30, 2026
Peer Support Specialist - Community Outreach Intervention Project, School of Public Health Peer Support Specialist - Community Outreach Intervention Project, School of Public Health Hiring Department: Commty Outreach Intervent Proj Location: Chicago, IL USA Requisition ID: 1040918 FTE: 1 Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM Shift: Days # of Positions: 1 Workplace Type: On-Site Posting Close Date: May 13, 2026 Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $55,000.00 - 55,000.00 / Hourly Wage About the University of Illinois Chicago UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. The Peer Support Specialist will work under the supervision of the MOUD Clinic Coordinator to assist with expansion of low-barrier behavioral health (BH) and substance use disorder (SUD) services. The Peer Support Specialist will work closely with team members, including the program psychiatrist, primary care provider, pharmacist, Chicago mobile CARE team, and COIP's Overdose Response Team and Recovery Support Services program, to conduct outreach, link individuals with serious mental illness to mental health services, provide recovery support services, case manage individual clients, assist the clinical team with patient follow-up, and facilitate patient access to medications and other resources. This work will take place at COIP field stations, on the COIP mobile unit, and at homeless encampments sites. Duties & Responsibilities: Conduct outreach to market services and engage community members with serious mental illness and substance use disorder. Provide information to service clients/recipients for every phase of recovery, re-entry, chronic health, and/or mental and behavioral health management. Collaborate with professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments. Assist clients in identifying their interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses; and coach clients in developing their plan. Develop relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the agency. Actively identify and support linkages to community resources that support the client's goals and interests. Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and develop strategies to overcome those. Maintain contact with the clients to ensure their ongoing success and to provide re-engagement support in partnership with others in the agency if needed Maintain client and social program records and prepare and maintain project logs, reports, and inappropriate files and database(s). Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Required: High school diploma or equivalent. One (1) year (12 months) of "lived" (or extensive "lived") experienceⁱⁱ in sustained recovery and reentry in the area(s) of specialization inherent to the position or of work experienceⁱⁱ: Incarceration Chronic health management (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.) Mental/behavioral health management Substance abuse (illicit drug or alcohol dependency) Eighteen months (18 months) of work experience comparable to the Peer Support Assistant of this series.ⁱⁱⁱ Based on position and institutional requirements, possession of a valid and current certification in the areas of specialization inherent to the position from an accredited agency/organization. Based on position and institutional requirements, possession of a valid and current (appropriate) State of Illinois driver's license, and proof of insurance at the time of appointment. ⁱⁱ Note: This experience may include personal experience as a parent, guardian, or a loved one you have supported through such a journey. ⁱⁱⁱ Note: The possession of a valid and current Certification in the area(s) of specialization inherent to the position from an accredited organization may be substituted for #3 above if not used to meet the Minimum Acceptable Qualification. Preferred Qualifications: The possession, or completion within six months, of a valid and current Certification in Peer Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Community Health Worker from an accredited organization may be substituted for #3 in above qualifications. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing peer support services. Knowledge of the community and resources. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, data entry, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. Knowledge of electronic equipment, computer hardware, and software, and their applications. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic peer support planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Skill in-service orientation - anticipating, recognizing, and meeting others' needs. Skill in active listening (giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions when appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times). Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively. Skill in analyzing situations and finding workable solutions (critical thinking). Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to programs. Ability to exhibit strong organizational skills and maintain detailed, accurate records. Ability to communicate effectively as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Ability to interpret work related documents, policies, and procedures. Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Ability to set priorities and manage one's own time and the time of others effectively. Ability to work independently and exercise judgment. Ability to work as a member of a team. To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application. Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. To apply, visit https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/19678?c=uic Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-226675aca27f9247b5694e9e28c503c4