Recovery Support Specialist, Care Transition

Nov 6, 2026 * @Tania

Pay is based on education, experience, and certification.

Heritage is a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in Decatur, Illinois. We provide mental health and substance use care to people across a multi-county area. Every person on our team affects client care, whatever role they hold.

Why you'll love working here:

• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment
• A paid wellness day off every other week
• Competitive pay and a career pathway to certification
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

We take care of our staff so they can focus on taking care of the people we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them that way.

The Recovery Support Specialist, Care Transition uses lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to support adults as they move through and out of Heritage's Crisis Stabilization Unit and Residential Rehabilitation program. You will meet individuals during their stay, help them plan for discharge, and stay connected as they step down to outpatient care, community services, and natural supports.

Transitions are when people are most at risk of losing momentum. Your job is to make sure no one leaves without a plan, a connection, and someone in their corner. You will work on the units and in the community, modeling recovery and promoting SAMHSA's principles of hope, person-driven care, holistic support, peer relationships, and respect.

On the units (CSU and Residential Rehabilitation)

• Engage individuals soon after admission to build trusting relationships based on shared lived experience and mutual respect.
• Provide peer mentoring and recovery coaching to help individuals identify strengths, set goals, and build coping strategies.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support and recovery-oriented groups on the units.
• Partner with each individual and the clinical team to create a person-driven discharge and transition plan.

During transition and discharge

• Support individuals through step-downs, including CSU to residential, residential to outpatient, and either level to home or community.
• Connect individuals to resources for housing, employment, education, healthcare, benefits, and social supports before discharge.
• Make warm handoffs to outpatient providers, case managers, recovery groups, and community partners.
• Help individuals prepare for appointments, gather documents, and arrange transportation.

After discharge

• Follow up with individuals after discharge to check on progress, reinforce plans, and reduce the risk of readmission or relapse.
• Meet individuals in homes, social service agencies, healthcare settings, and other community locations.
• Re-engage individuals who have missed appointments or lost contact with services.

Across the role

• Promote SAMHSA's recovery principles by encouraging self-determination, empowerment, and community inclusion.
• Model recovery and resilience through appropriate self-disclosure and advocacy.
• Collaborate with nurses, counselors, case managers, and community partners to coordinate care.
• Document services accurately and on time, and maintain confidentiality under agency and regulatory standards.

Knowledge

• Recovery principles, peer support ethics, and trauma-informed care
• Mental health and substance use challenges, including crisis and early recovery
• Levels of care and community resources in Macon County and the surrounding area

Skills

• Sharing lived experience in a way that inspires hope and promotes recovery
• Strong communication, active listening, and motivational engagement
• Problem-solving and advocacy to help individuals navigate complex systems
• Coordinating plans across multiple providers and agencies

Abilities

• Work on a residential unit and independently in community settings while staying accountable
• Stay calm and supportive with individuals in crisis or early stabilization
• Show cultural humility and respect for diverse backgrounds
• Maintain professional boundaries and follow peer support values
• Adapt to changing needs and environments with flexibility and resilience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery
• Ability to obtain certification as a Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) within 12 months of employment
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance
• Availability to work 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Preferred: Current CRSS certification and experience in crisis, residential, or inpatient settings.

• Generous time off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness: Paid wellness day off every other week, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401(k) and Roth
• Professional growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Loan forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corps

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve.