Recovery Outreach Specialist

Join an innovative partnership between Chestnut Health Systems, Bi-State Transit, and the St. Clair County Transit District as a Transit Recovery Outreach Specialist. In this unique, non-clinical role, you will work directly with riders on MetroLink trains and at transfer stations across Illinois and Missouri, helping connect individuals to critical behavioral health and community resources.

This is a full-time, team-based position with primarily daytime hours, Monday through Friday (no weekends or overnight shifts). Staff work in pairs and collaborate closely with MetroLink Ambassadors, Transit Security, and local law enforcement to support rider safety and well-being.

Pay Range: The anticipated starting pay for this position is $17.00 – $18.00 per hour, based on experience, skills, and internal equity.

Typical schedules include:
• Missouri teams: 6:00am–2:00pm or 8:00am–4:00pm
• Illinois teams: 8:00am–4:00pm or 11:00am–7:00pm

Chestnut Health Systems™ is a leading provider of integrated health care services. Since 1973, Chestnut has grown to more than 800 committed, compassionate employees providing substance use, mental health, and primary care treatment to patients in Illinois and Missouri. We provide fully integrated care for all our patients by combining behavioral health care services with our community-based primary care health centers. Chestnut also conducts research and training throughout the U.S.A.

• Engage riders in respectful, supportive conversations to assess needs and build trust
• Screen individuals for behavioral health, substance use, and social service needs
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and brief counseling in a non-clinical setting
• Offer problem-solving support and skill-building to help individuals navigate challenges
• Connect riders to appropriate services, including transportation to community resources when needed
• Work alongside a partner and collaborate with transit staff, security, and community agencies
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic systems
• Respond calmly and effectively in high-stress or potentially volatile situations
• Promote trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care focused on respect, empowerment, and wellness

• Must be at least 21 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Demonstrated experience or skills in human services, particularly working with adults
• Ability to work effectively within a team and follow supervision
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse populations
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• Basic computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and electronic medical records (EMR)
• Valid driver’s license, private automobile insurance, and insurability required

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs when that’s the case. Chestnut is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about any of our posted positions but your experience doesn’t line up perfectly, please apply anyway! You might be just the right candidate for another role. We’d love to explore the possibilities with you!

Chestnut Health Systems is a leader in the effort to achieve health equity, providing high-quality health and human services in underserved communities. We deliver trauma-informed, fully integrated care by combining behavioral health with community-based primary health care. Chestnut’s research division is nationally recognized for its contribution to evidence-based practices. Our empathic and innovative employees live our mission of making a difference.

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

Pay Range: The anticipated starting pay for this position is $17.00 – $18.00 per hour, based on experience, skills, and internal equity.