Crisis Support Specialist-Living Room
The Crisis Support Specialist (CSS) provides peer support services, serves as a member advocate; provides information and peer support for guests of the Living Room. The CSS performs a wide range of tasks to assist members in regaining control over their own lives and over their own recovery process. The CSS will role model and teach competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills.

• Create a welcoming, accepting, and calm environment in the Living Room. The CSS (Crisis Support Specialist) will encourage, support and educate Living Room guests on how to manage crises by utilizing a variety of mental health tools and personal recovery stories.
• Utilizing their unique recovery experience, the CSS will teach and role model the value of every individual's recovery experience, model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• The CSS will maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, articles and other relevant material and attending relevant seminars, meetings, and required training to enhance Living Room services.
• Participate in team meetings to help with planning and problem solving for issues related to the day-to-day operations, and any other concerns that may come up at the Living Room.
• The CSS will serve as a recovery agent by providing and advocating for effective recovery-based services.
• Assist guests in developing a crisis recovery plan.
• Provide case management to help guests link to aftercare services and other resources in the community.
• Assist guests in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy and stigma-busting activities.
• Purposefully engage members in conversation to hear their stories, learn about their interests and strengths, and respectfully encourage them to take steps in their recovery process.
• Utilize engagement strategies to promote a sense of belonging by actively inviting members to take the lead in determining their recovery path.
• Actively get to know all guests who visit the Living Room. Learn guest's names, warmly greet them; find ways to help them feel welcomed, relaxed, and needed.
• Encourage opportunities for guests to support each other.
• Communicate safety concerns about guest's well-being immediately to the Team Leader or Program Director.
• Utilize self-help and self-management tools from the Thresholds online Library.
• Provide accurate and timely information to your supervisor on all topics and issues related to the operation of the agency and the well-being of guests.
• Document clinical interventions in accordance with Illinois Rule 140.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Light housekeeping (dishes, floors, bathrooms) and cooking may be required.
• Participates in the implementation of Thresholds' emergency plans related to extreme weather or other emergency condition.
• May be required to work flexible schedules and be available to work on including weekends or evenings as required.

• Meet Department of Mental Health requirements for a Mental Health Professional or, at a minimum, the requirement for a Rehabilitation Support Specialist, Masters Preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Lived experience of mental health recovery is required.
• Knowledge and understanding of recovery process and models.
• Ability to teach and guide others through recovery process. Ability to lead peer-to-peer support groups. Ability to empower and motivate others.
• Ability to engage and facilitate a calming environment for guests.
• Ability to recognize stigma. Knowledge of illness, medications and treatment. Understanding of the mental health system and how it works.

• Current State ID required.
• For locations with a certified kitchen on site, must have, or must obtain within one year of hire date, Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) and/or Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC).
• CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) certification preferred.