Location: NIRCO Recovery Community Center, Waukegan, Illinois
Salary: $55,000
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Program Manager
Duration: Funded through 6/30/2025
About NIRCO:
The Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) is a peer-run and peer-led organization dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), and polysubstance use disorder (PUD). Since our establishment in 2019, we have served the underserved communities of Waukegan, Zion, and North Chicago, providing evidence-based peer support services, harm reduction education, and recovery-focused events. Our mission is to combat stigma and offer hope to individuals rebuilding their lives after years of hardship due to addiction and related issues.
Position Overview:
NIRCO seeks a full-time Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) to join our team. The CPRS will be responsible for providing warm handoff and peer recovery support services (PRSS) to individuals impacted by substance use disorders. These services will be delivered face-to-face, by phone, or via video to ensure seamless transitions into care across our five key partner organizations. The CPRS team will be instrumental in providing ongoing recovery support, overdose prevention education, and housing assistance.
Key Responsibilities:
Warm Handoff Services:
Serve as the primary point of contact for individuals transitioning from jail, recovery housing, inpatient treatment, or veterans' care into recovery services.
Facilitate warm handoffs through face-to-face, phone, or video meetings to ensure a smooth transfer of care to clinical services or recovery programs.
Collaborate with NIRCO’s five key partners (Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Behavioral Hospital, Kalimba Foundation Recovery Housing, Gateway Foundation, Capt. James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center) to ensure clients receive comprehensive support.
Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS):
Provide personalized one-on-one coaching, helping participants develop and follow evidence-based recovery plans.
Educate participants about Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) options and support referrals to MAR and other clinical services.
Assist clients in locating stable housing, applying for subsidized housing, and navigating the Coordinated Entry system.
Provide housing-related assistance, including “welcome home kits” for newly housed individuals and financial assistance for housing costs.
Initiate outreach activities to increase MAR and clinical services engagement using motivational interviewing techniques.
Host sober social activities for participants and their loved ones to foster positive community bonds and recovery-friendly environments.
Harm Reduction Services:
Distribute naloxone kits and provide overdose prevention education to participants and their families.
Offer information on harm reduction strategies and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Educate participants on safe practices, addressing the health risks associated with substance use.
Ongoing Support & Community Engagement:
Continue to support participants for at least one year, offering coaching and recovery services through NIRCO’s Recovery Community Center or remotely via phone or video.
Build connections with local workforce agencies, healthcare providers, and childcare organizations to assist participants in becoming self-sufficient.
Work closely with NIRCO leadership and staff to expand outreach to underserved and high-risk individuals, providing a bridge between marginalized communities and necessary services.
Qualifications:
Certification: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or similar certification required.
Lived Experience: Personal experience in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, with a commitment to helping others navigate their own recovery journeys.
Bilingual: Proficiency in both English and Spanish is a plus but only required for some positions.
Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport quickly and maintain professional relationships with clients, families, and partner organizations.
Knowledge: Understanding of harm reduction strategies, overdose prevention, naloxone training, and peer recovery support services.
Tech-Savvy: Ability to conduct remote support via phone or video conferencing when needed.
Cultural Competence: Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, particularly those impacted by OUD, homelessness, gun violence, mental health issues, and chronic justice involvement.
Working Conditions:
Primarily based at NIRCO’s Recovery Community Center in Waukegan, Illinois, with some outreach conducted at partner locations.
Flexibility to conduct remote support via phone or video as needed.
Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required to meet the needs of program participants.
Benefits:
Competitive salary of $55,000.
Opportunity to make a lasting impact on individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
Collaborative, supportive work environment within a peer-led recovery organization.
Ongoing professional development opportunities.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and proof of CPRS certification to Mary Roberson at nircoarco20@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
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