Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center Peer Recovery Support Specialist Shawneetown, IL · Full time Company website

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The Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center (SIRAC) is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families across rural Southern Illinois. SIRAC provides a wide range of services, including recovery support, mental health resources, parenting support, workforce development, and assistance with basic needs. At the heart of SIRAC’s work is a commitment to meeting people where they are—with compassion, respect, and real-world understanding. What sets SIRAC apart is its family-driven approach, where people with lived experience help shape and deliver services, creating a welcoming environment built on trust, connection, and hope.

Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS)

Organization: Southern Illinois Resource & Advocacy Center (SIRAC)

Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Schedule: Primarily Monday-Friday business hours, with occasional evening/weekend availability as needed

Position Summary

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) provides high-quality, person-centered recovery support to individuals and families seeking recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Drawing from lived experience, the PRSS offers hope, practical support, transportation, and recovery coaching within SIRAC's whole-family, peer-led recovery model.

This role combines transportation services (approximately 50%) with direct peer support services (50%), providing essential mobility access while delivering meaningful recovery support. The position is designed to support professional development toward CPRS/CRSS certification.

Key Responsibilities

Transportation Services (50%)

• Provide safe, reliable transportation for participants to treatment appointments, recovery meetings, court obligations, medical appointments, and other essential services
• Maintain accurate mileage logs, transportation records, and required documentation
• Conduct routine vehicle safety checks and maintain a clean, professional vehicle environment
• Follow all safety protocols, confidentiality standards, and risk-management procedures
• Coordinate transportation schedules effectively with SIRAC staff
• Model recovery values and professionalism during all participant interactions

Recovery Support Services (50%)

• Provide one-on-one peer support using lived experience to foster hope, empowerment, and self-determination
• Assist participants in identifying personal strengths, recovery goals, and support needs
• Support participants in developing and updating their Care Plans
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led support groups and recovery education sessions
• Provide linkage to community resources, including housing, employment, healthcare, mutual aid groups, and culturally relevant supports
• Maintain regular contact with participants to support ongoing engagement and long-term recovery stability
• Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Maintain accurate documentation of services, interactions, and participant progress
• Engage in ongoing professional development, including CPRS/CRSS training pathways

Training & Professional Development

SIRAC is committed to building a strong, credentialed peer workforce. PRSS staff will:

• Participate in CPRS/CRSS training and supervision
• Attend required in-service training, workshops, and continuing education
• Receive coaching and mentorship to advance within SIRAC's peer career pathway

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year in recovery from substance use (self-attested)
• Lived experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and reliable working vehicle
• Ability to pass a motor vehicle record check
• Basic computer literacy (email, data entry, online training platforms)
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and ability to build trust and rapport
• Respect for all recovery pathways and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries
• Must obtain CPRS/CRSS certification within 2 years of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in peer support, recovery coaching, or community outreach
• Familiarity with local treatment, recovery, and social service systems
• Experience facilitating groups or community meetings

Working Conditions

• Primarily daytime hours with flexibility for some evening/weekend activities based on participant needs
• Extensive travel throughout the service area required
• Ability to lift light items (resource materials, small supplies)
• Professional representation of SIRAC in community settings

DisclaimerThis job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be modified to meet organizational and programming needs. 

Acknowledgement of Understanding:

I acknowledge that I have received, reviewed, and understand the Position Description for this above-described role.  I understand the responsibilities, expectations, and essential functions described and have been presented with the opportunity to ask questions or request clarification as needed. I recognize that this Description may be updated to reflect organizational needs, and I will be informed of any substantive changes. Receipt and acknowledgement of this position description does not constitute an employment contract.  I understand that this acknowledgement is not an offer of employment.