1

Wellness Recovery Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wellness Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Our mission is to elevate the lifestyle of our team members and guests by providing professional, affordable, and convenient recovery services while raising the bar in the health and wellness ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Wellness Recovery information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do wellness recovery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for wellness recovery in Chicago, IL is $18.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wellness recovery specialist?

A Wellness Recovery specialist is a professional who supports individuals in their journey toward mental health and substance use recovery. They typically use evidence-based practices and personal experience to help clients develop coping strategies, set goals, and access community resources. Wellness Recovery specialists may work in mental health centers, addiction treatment facilities, or community organizations. Their main goal is to empower individuals to achieve and maintain overall well-being and independence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wellness recovery specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wellness Recovery Specialist, you need a solid understanding of mental health principles, wellness planning, and often a background in psychology or social work along with relevant certifications such as Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) facilitator. Familiarity with electronic case management systems, mental health assessment tools, and documentation software is also important. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, resilience, and effective communication help you connect with and support individuals on their recovery journey. These competencies are essential for empowering clients, maintaining accurate records, and fostering a supportive environment that promotes lasting wellness.

What are some common challenges wellness recovery professionals face when supporting clients on their recovery journey?

Wellness Recovery professionals often encounter challenges such as addressing diverse mental health needs, building trust with clients who may be hesitant to engage, and navigating complex family or social dynamics. Balancing individualized care plans with organizational protocols can also be demanding. Effective communication, empathy, and ongoing training in evidence-based practices help professionals overcome these challenges and foster positive client outcomes.

What is the difference between Wellness Recovery vs Peer Support Specialist?

AspectWellness RecoveryPeer Support Specialist
CredentialsVaries; often includes certifications in wellness coaching or mental healthCertified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or similar certification
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, community centers, mental health clinicsSame as Wellness Recovery; often in mental health and community settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health organizations, wellness programsBehavioral health agencies, mental health programs, recovery centers

Both roles focus on supporting individuals' mental health and recovery, but Wellness Recovery emphasizes holistic wellness strategies, while Peer Support Specialists primarily provide peer-led support based on lived experience. They often work together within the same settings to promote recovery and well-being.

What are popular job titles related to Wellness Recovery jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Wellness Recovery jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wellness Recovery jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Wellness Recovery jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Wellness Recovery jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Wellness Recovery job openings:

Recovery Support Specialist - Living Room Program

Kenneth Young Center

Elk Grove Village, IL

$25.10 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Recovery Support Specialist - Living Room Program
Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to individuals of all walks of life. Located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, we offer a wide range of services including outpatient therapeutic care, recovery-oriented support, community prevention, LGBTQ+ outreach, older adult services, and crisis intervention. Our team welcomes and celebrates unique perspectives and represents the diversity and vitality of our local communities. Join our team to grow in your career while building stronger, healthier communities.
Ken­neth Young Cen­ter offers a robust ben­e­fit pack­age that is high­ly com­pet­i­tive to the mar­ket and offers all full-time employ­ees the following:
  • 403(b) plan with orga­ni­za­tion­al matching
  • Medical Insurance (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illi­nois - BCBS)
  • Den­tal (BCBS), and Vision Insur­ance (BCBS) with low employee premiums
  • Long Term and Short Term Dis­abil­i­ty (BCBS), no cost to employee
  • Flex­i­ble Spend­ing Account (with annu­al rollover)
  • Basic life insur­ance (50k) paid for by the organization and option for addi­tion­al vol­un­tary cov­er­age for self, spouse, or depen­dents (BCBS)
  • Incentive program with potential for quarterly bonuses
  • Opportunity for annual bonus and salary increase (discretionary based on annual KYC financial audit)
  • Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
To fur­ther pro­mote an active and healthy work/ life bal­ance, KYC also offers a gen­er­ous amount of paid time off and staff holidays.
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (With increas­es based on seniority)
  • 8 Paid Orga­ni­za­­­tion-Wide Hol­i­days
  • 3 Per­son­al Float­ing Hol­i­days annually

Job Scope: Actively contribute as a peer recovery support specialist (RSS) while working with other staff members to provide a safe place to go during crisis. This role will guide the exploration of recovery crisis planning and development of a personal safety plan or even a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). Living Rooms embrace the Recovery Model and offer people experiencing mental health crises a calm and safe environment. The community outpatient centers are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and people receive care immediately. The Living Room will eventually operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as well.
Program Operations
  • Engage and orient the client to the Living Room.
  • Engage with local First Responders to assist in providing a warm hand off of clients.
  • Assist peer support supervisor to plan and implement activities.
  • Responsible for facility set-up and maintenance.
  • Responsible for travel assistance and transportation.
  • Provide supportive peer counseling utilizing personal lived experience to establish a warm and empathic connection with clients and as needed, their families/significant others.
  • Promote opportunities for clients to develop a personal safety plan.
  • Assist in the development of personal Wellness Recovery Action Plans.
  • Regularly consult with other Adult Outpatient Behavioral Health Team members to address specific client issues and coordinate care strategies.
  • Support safety of clients and assist with important service linkages to resources desired by clients.
Administrative and Performance Requirements
  • Assist in training center staff.
  • Assist in development and maintenance of local community resources and groups (NAMI, AA etc.), recovery literature, on-line materials/websites to support clients.
  • Participate in supervision as directed.
  • Participate in team and other agency meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor.
  • Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Living Room policies and procedures.
Education amp; Experience
  • Bachelors degree preferred from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology or a related discipline and/or
  • A Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification or ability to complete course work and able to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
  • Preferred 1-2 of years experience working with individuals recovering from serious and persistent mental illness providing case management and community support and/or
  • Preferred 1-2 years experience working in non-traditional community settings i.e.: Drop in, senior center, special recreation program
  • Basic computer proficiency, knowledge of Word and Internet skills
  • Applicant must have a valid IL Driver’s License, valid auto insurance, and access to a well maintained/insured vehicle
Schedule
  • Full-time, Hourly, Non-exempt, 37.5 hours per week
  • Must be prepared to work a flexible schedule in response to the needs of the target population served, including evening and/or weekend hours.
Schedule/Timekeeping
  • Full-time, Hourly, Non-exempt, 37.5 hours per week
  • Must be prepared to work a flexible schedule in response to the needs of the target population served, including evening and/or weekend hours.
Kenneth Young Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer