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Part Time Peer Support Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Part Time Peer Support information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

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$29

How much do part time peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time peer support in Chicago, IL is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time peer support?

Part time peer support workers are individuals who use their own lived experiences with mental health, substance use, or other life challenges to support others on their recovery journeys. They work fewer hours than full-time staff and often provide emotional support, share coping strategies, and help others navigate resources. Peer support workers foster hope and empowerment by building trusting relationships based on mutual understanding. Their unique perspective helps others feel less alone and more understood. Part time roles allow flexibility and can be a good fit for those balancing other commitments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time peer support?

To thrive as a Part Time Peer Support, you need lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often completion of a peer support training program. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic computer skills, and sometimes certification such as Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) are commonly required. Exceptional listening, empathy, and the ability to build trust and communicate effectively are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for fostering supportive relationships, modeling recovery, and ensuring the well-being and empowerment of peers.

What are some common challenges faced by part time peer support workers, and how can they effectively address them?

Part-time peer support workers often encounter challenges such as managing boundaries with peers, balancing multiple responsibilities, and adapting to varying schedules. It's important to prioritize self-care, seek regular supervision, and maintain clear communication with both peers and supervisors. Building strong relationships within the support team and participating in ongoing training can also help address these challenges and promote a healthy, effective work environment.

What is the difference between Part Time Peer Support vs Part Time Mental Health Technician?

AspectPart Time Peer SupportPart Time Mental Health Technician
Required CredentialsPeer support certification or relevant experienceState-specific certification or license, mental health training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, peer-led programsHospitals, clinics, mental health facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, community organizationsHealthcare providers, mental health agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPeer support roles, mental health supportMental health technician roles, clinical support

Part Time Peer Support focuses on providing emotional and experiential support based on shared experiences, often in community settings. In contrast, Part Time Mental Health Technicians assist with clinical tasks in healthcare environments. Both roles support mental health but differ in credentials, work settings, and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Support jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Peer Support jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Part Time Peer Support jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Part Time Peer Support job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,259 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

PT Recovery Support Specialist (Overnight Shift)

NAMI McHenry County

Crystal Lake, IL โ€ข On-site

$22.50 - $26.50/hr

Part-time

Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Part-Time Recovery Support Specialist Location: Crystal Lake, ILReports To: Living Room Manager (Overnight)Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)Schedule: 11:30 p.m.–8:00 a.m., Saturday - Sunday Hourly Rate: $22.50 - $26.50 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualificationsAbout NAMI McHenry CountyNAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI McHenry County provides free mental health support, education, advocacy, and community-based services to individuals and families throughout McHenry County.Our Living Room Program is a peer-led, trauma-informed alternative to emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitalization for adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. The Living Room will be expanding to stay open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, starting in October, and we are hiring additional recovery support specialists to support this growth. The Living Room provides immediate support in a calm, welcoming, recovery-oriented environment where individuals can find safety, connection, and hope.Position SummaryThe Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) is an individual with lived experience in mental health recovery who uses that experience to provide hope, encouragement, and peer support to adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.Working within NAMI McHenry County's Living Room Program, the Recovery Support Specialist provides one-on-one peer support, assists guests in developing recovery and wellness goals, helps de-escalate crises, develops collaborative safety plans, and connects guests with community resources. The RSS works as part of a multidisciplinary team to create a welcoming, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about peer support, believes in the power of recovery, and wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.Essential ResponsibilitiesDirect Peer SupportProvide one-on-one peer support to adults experiencing emotional distress or mental health crises.Build trusting relationships that promote hope, empowerment, and recovery.Assist guests in identifying strengths, recovery goals, wellness strategies, and barriers to recovery.Collaborate with guests to develop individualized safety plans and next steps.Support guests in developing coping skills, grounding techniques, and problem-solving strategies.Encourage use of recovery-oriented tools and self-directed wellness practices.Connect guests with community resources and ongoing support.Crisis SupportAssist in de-escalating behavioral health crises using trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches.Observe and assess guest needs, identifying when consultation with the Living Room Manager or other professionals is appropriate.Collaborate with the team to ensure guests receive the appropriate level of care.Support caregivers and family members by providing education, encouragement, and resource navigation.Recovery LeadershipUtilize personal lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and normalize recovery.Model healthy coping strategies, self-care, resilience, and recovery principles.Advocate for guests while promoting dignity, autonomy, and self-determination.Help reduce stigma surrounding mental health through authentic peer relationships.Documentation & Team CollaborationComplete timely, accurate documentation within the electronic health record.Maintain confidentiality and comply with agency documentation standards.Participate in shift huddles, debriefings, team meetings, and ongoing training.Collaborate effectively with Living Room staff and community partners.Contribute ideas that strengthen services and improve the guest experience.Organizational LeadershipSupport NAMI McHenry County's mission, values, and culture.Participate in ongoing professional development.Perform other duties as assigned.Required QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED.Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or willingness to obtain certification within one year of hire.Personal lived experience with mental health recovery and willingness to appropriately utilize that experience in a peer support role.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn electronic health record systems.Ability to pass all required background screenings.Preferred QualificationsTwo or more years of experience in peer support, behavioral health, crisis services, human services, or related settings.Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health crises.Bilingual in Spanish.Familiarity with community mental health resources.Desired AttributesPassion for recovery-oriented care and peer support.Warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental communication style.Strong boundaries and ethical decision-making.Ability to remain calm under pressure.Team-oriented with excellent collaboration skills.Commitment to trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.Strong organizational and documentation skills.Desire to learn, grow, and contribute to a rapidly expanding organization.NAMI McHenry County strongly values lived experience with mental health recovery. Individuals with lived experience who are passionate about supporting others on their recovery journey are encouraged to apply.Physical RequirementsAbility to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.Ability to utilize a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.Ability to move throughout the Living Room to support guests.Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.Why Join NAMI McHenry County?Be part of one of Illinois' most innovative peer-led crisis response programs.Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.Work alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team.Receive ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.Help shape the future of mental health services in McHenry County.BenefitsHealth, Dental, and Vision InsuranceGenerous Paid Time Off and Sick LeaveCompany-Paid Short-Term Disability InsuranceCompany-Paid Life InsuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramCell Phone ReimbursementFour-Week Paid Sabbatical After Five Years of Full-Time EmploymentOngoing Professional Development OpportunitiesRelaxed Dress CodeMeaningful, Mission-Driven WorkNAMI McHenry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
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