Peer Support Specialist

The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago's mission is to end the cycle of violence using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s principles and teachings of nonviolence. Informed by a philosophy of nonviolence, Nonviolence Chicago will establish caring and sustained relationships with participants engaged in the cycle of violence. We will emphasize partnerships with community members, leaders, social service providers, and local law enforcement to reduce community levels of violence. We will help create a safer, healthier environment for young adults, youth, and their families. These general approaches will be specifically addressed using for major methods: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) / Street Outreach, Individualized Service Provision, Victim Support Services, and Nonviolence Training.POSITION OVERVIEW:The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago is currently seeking a Peer Support Specialist in Austin to join the Behavioral Health and Wellness team. This position will be responsible for providing direct peer support services to a caseload of participants and staff struggling with the impact of trauma and community violence. This position may also be responsible for co-facilitating Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) groups with frontline staff in participant programming. Additionally, this position will assist with development and implementation of Institute for Nonviolence Chicago's staff wellness initiative, with a specific focus on infusing peer support services into organizational policies and procedures. The ideal candidate for this role is someone who has first-hand experience utilizing behavioral health services to addressing trauma, has demonstrated commitment to the values and mission of Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, and has a passion for "healing the healers."ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIESPeer Support for Participants (50%)Complete behavioral health intakes as needed, maintain progress notes and other relevant program data and record keeping as necessary in a timely mannerMaintain small caseload of individual participants who meet target criteria and conduct peer support sessionsFacilitate referrals and warm handoffs for participants in need of external behavioral health services as neededAssist with facilitation of process and skill building groups with participants, survivor support groups and other groups as assignedProvide presentations and trainings to staff and community partners as neededAssist with the development and integration of trauma-informed policies, practices, and services for Institute for Nonviolence Chicago participantsConduct outreach to community providers, families, and significant others to gather additional information for behavioral health and wellness service planningProvide services in a culturally humble and responsive mannerAdditional duties as required by Associate Director of Behavioral Health and WellnessEmployee Behavioral Health and Wellness (35%)Participate in interdisciplinary wellness committee responsible for development and implementation of staff wellness programmingAssist with development and implementation of peer support wellness services for staffCollaborate with CORNERS, UIC, and other research partners in evaluation of staff wellness programming as neededBe available to provide emotional support to Institute for Nonviolence Chicago staff related to shooting responses and other on-the-job trauma exposureAssist with the development and integration of trauma-informed policies and practices to enhance program effectivenessComplete relevant program data and record keeping as necessary in a timely mannerAssist with facilitating process groups, presentations, and trainings to staff and community partners, including CBIProvide services in a culturally humble and responsive mannerAdditional duties as required by Associate Director of Behavioral Health and WellnessCognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) Cofacilitation (15%)Under the direction of Associate Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness, assist with delivery of CBI for Nonviolence groups with participants in FLIP, HOPE, and/or Workforce Development programmingLead CBI groups for participants in a trauma-informed manner with co-facilitation support from frontline staff; model appropriate group facilitation skillsWork with program staff to tailor CBI curriculum to best fit population served and align with other program contentQUALIFICATIONSBS in a Human Servies field (i.e. sociology, social work) or minimum three years work experience working for a social service organizationAt least 3 years experience supporting and working with in-risk youth and street involved youthAt least 3 years experience working with people from various ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds as both colleagues and clienteleWorking knowledge of principles of trauma recovery and trauma-informed care1 year experience facilitating groups, workshops, or trainings preferredStrong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution skills, and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writingExperience with crisis interventionExperience documenting case notesAt least 1 year of experience working on a multidisciplinary team preferredAt least 1 year experience developing and retaining relationships with other service providers preferredKnowledge of Chicago and communities with histories of violenceProficient in Microsoft Office SuiteBilingual English-Spanish a plusNo pending criminal casesThe Institute is a drug free and safe workplace; passing a drug screening and background check is required prior to being hiredValid Illinois driver's license, insurance, and good driving recordSALARY/BENEFITS: Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $48,000 and is commensurate with experience.Institute for Nonviolence Chicago puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package.Competitive/commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Competitive benefits package available, including Health, Life, and 401K.To apply, please send a cover letter along with your resume to hiring@ and include the title of the position in the subject line. Institute for Nonviolence Chicago -- EEO StatementInstitute for Nonviolence Chicago provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Created: 2026-05-08