Peer Careers Illinois – Building Stronger Peers for Illinois

Empowering Peer Professionals in Illinois

At Peer Careers Illinois, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the path to becoming a certified Peer Support Specialist. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance your career, we provide the resources and connections you need.

One Career Field,
lots of opportunities

Being a peer specialist is about using your lived experience to empower others. Your journey can take many paths, encompassing mental health support, substance use recovery, and many other areas. There are lots of roles in our career field!

Examples of where Peer Support Specialists work in Illinois

Mental Health Facilities

Hospitals, outpatient clinics, community mental health centers, and psychiatric hospitals.

Substance Use Treatment Centers

Rehabilitation centers, detox facilities, and outpatient substance use treatment programs.

Community Based Organizations

Support groups, drop-in centers, and advocacy organizations

Non Profit Organizations

Agencies focused on mental health, substance use recovery, homelessness, and other social services.

In addition to different job titles, Illinois has multiple certifications you can pursue where you can support others in their recovery journeys.

Current Illinois Certifications

CRSS – Certified Recovery Support Specialist

CPRS – Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

CVSS – Certified Veteran Support Specialist

CFPP – Certified Family Partnership Professionals

Examples of Job Titles

Recovery Support Specialist

Engagement Specialist

Recovery Coach

Peer Advocate

Career Testimonials from
Illinois Peer Support Specialists

“The most fulfilling part of my job as a CRSS, is the opportunity to share hope of the possibility of an improved quality of life through self-care and understanding the challenges that one may face from having a mental health diagnosis.”

-Henry, CRSS

“Becoming a Certified Recovery Support Specialist gave me the confidence I needed to begin my career while in recovery. It gave me hope and purpose to learn how to use my own experience to help support others.”

-Christa, CRSS

"When I interviewed for a peer recovery support specialist position, I found it ironic that the things that brought me shame in life were now on a resume getting me a job. I only had a fifth-grade formal education, but my agency took a chance and helped me get my GED. This role can be stressful but when a client tells you that they were able to save the life of a 17 year old kid by administering Narcan you provided them it definitely makes it worth it."

-James Del Sasso, Recovery Support Specialist

"There is power in sharing your recovery story. Voices become heard, experiences become validated, and hope becomes real."

-Ashley Leyva, Recovery Support Specialist

"Becoming a Certified Recovery Support Specialist has been a life changing opportunity, both personally and professionally. Being able to take all of my mental health struggles, trauma, and recovery and use it to help others find their hope...it can't get any better than that! I love this work and am thankful for it everyday."

Morgan Hartrich, Engagement Specialist

"This line of work is the most fulfilling and inspiring position I have ever held. I get the pleasure of helping people find their path whatever that looks like for them and be that support they need to progress in their journey. I have seen miracles and in my work place i have made friends with several peers just like me working on their own recovery and wellness too. It is truly inspirational."

-Adrienne Edwards

Explore Training Opportunities

Discover a variety of training options to support your journey as a peer support specialist. Choose the path that suits you best and achieve your certification and career goals. Click below to learn more about the available pathways.

Explore Illinois Peer Employers and Jobs

Find your next opportunity in peer support on our job board. Connect with employers seeking professionals in addiction recovery, mental health support, and more. Stay updated with the latest openings and advance your career in peer services.