MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST I
Elgin, IL, US, 60123
Job Requisition ID: 57231
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/05/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (26921)
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,834 - $8,683 per month ($70,008 - $104,196 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm; 30-minute paid lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 750 S State St, Elgin, Illinois, 60123
Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery
Elgin Mental Health Center
Forensic Services
Work County: Kane
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@Illinois.gov
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist I for the Elgin Forensic Treatment Center located in Elgin, Illinois. Functions as a patient liaison to Facility Treatment Teams regarding identified service issues. Coordinates and facilitates Facility wellness activities, including the implementation of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates consumer study/survey data. Collaborates with the Clinical Director, Facility Quality Manager and other Facility Clinical leadership in representing the Facility to community groups. Provides information regarding patient/family service needs and expectations to Facility staff. Attends statewide and community meetings. Participates in the statewide Recovery Services Development Group (RSDG).
Essential Functions
- Serves as a Mental Health Recovery Support Specialist (MHRSS), functioning as a patient’s liaison to his/her Facility Treatment Team regarding identified forensic service issues.
- Coordinates and facilitates Facility wellness activities, including the implementation of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups and the enhancement of Trauma Informed Care, including the establishment of service enhancements, such as comfort rooms and soothing kits.
- Collaborates with the Facility Quality Manager to review, analyze and evaluate patient study/survey data, utilizing the collected data to identify and highlight trends, patterns and outcomes.
- Collaborates with the Clinical Director, Facility Quality Manager and other Facility Clinical leadership in representing the Facility to community groups requesting information concerning mental health issues, wellness and recovery, the empowerment of consumers and families, and recovery-oriented services.
- Provides expertise regarding patient/family service needs and expectations to Facility staff.
- Attends statewide and community meetings for the purposes of informing and representing consumer issues, identifying statewide and Region services and resources and addressing quality of care and/or continuum of care issues.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree in one of the social sciences or related area and one (1) year of experience performing peer support work within a mental health program setting.
- Must be a current or former consumer of mental health services and willing to self-identify.
- Requires evidence of certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS).
Preferred Qualifications
- One (1) year of professional experience providing recovery-oriented practices and techniques, peer support services and encouraging consumers to adopt wellness practices and goals.
- One (1) year of professional experience articulating personal experience relevant to the obstacles and successes of their own recovery.
- One (1) year of professional experience advocating for patients and family members providing information concerning patient rights and responsibilities.
- One (1) year of professional experience working with policies, procedures and regulations associated with patient rights matters, care and support systems.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
- Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including computers.
- Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
- Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.
*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
About the Agency
The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.
As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:
- A Pension Program
- Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
- 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
- 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
- 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
- Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
- 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
- Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
- 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
- Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
- Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
- GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
- 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
- Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the Current Employee Guide at Application Procedures or by logging in to the career portal for State employees and viewing the instructions on Completing the Electronic Application.
Non-State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the External Applicant Guide at Application Procedures or from Illinois.jobs2web.com – click Application Resources in the footer of every page of the website.
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of the posting to begin the application process. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in via the Employee Login link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to their career portal.
Non-State employees should click the Sign Up link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to an existing external account or to create a new external account.
State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Elgin
Nearest Secondary Market: Chicago