Living Room Manager (Overnight)

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Crystal Lake, IL
Reports To: Director of Recovery Support Services
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 11:30 p.m.-8:00 a.m. with rotating on-call responsibilities
Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI McHenry County is dedicated to providing hope, support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.

Our Living Room Program is a peer-led, trauma-informed alternative to emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitalization for adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. The Living Room will be expanding to stay open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, starting in October, and we are hiring additional managers and recovery support specialists to support this growth. The Living Room provides immediate support in a calm, welcoming, recovery-oriented environment where individuals can find safety, connection, and hope.

The Living Room Manager serves as the leader on duty for an assigned shift within NAMI McHenry County's 24/7 Living Room Program. This position combines staff supervision, operational oversight, crisis support, quality assurance, and direct service delivery to ensure a safe, welcoming, and recovery-oriented environment for guests and staff.

The Manager provides day-to-day leadership for Recovery Support Specialists, supports staff during complex or high-acuity situations, ensures compliance with program standards, and helps maintain a culture grounded in recovery, trauma-informed care, and person-centered support.

This is an excellent opportunity for a mission-driven leader who is passionate about peer support, crisis response, and helping shape one of Illinois' most innovative community mental health programs.

Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Provide day-to-day supervision and support for Recovery Support Specialists during assigned shifts.
• Serve as the primary leader on duty, ensuring effective program operations and staff coverage.
• Model professionalism, recovery principles, trauma-informed practices, and NAMI's organizational values.
• Conduct shift huddles, debriefings, and warm handoffs between teams.
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, training, and mentoring of new staff.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and support staff development.
• Address workplace concerns and assist with conflict resolution when needed.
• Support employees in pursuing and maintaining professional certifications, including the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential.

Program Operations & Safety

• Ensure the safety and well-being of guests, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Monitor the Living Room environment to maintain a calm, welcoming, and therapeutic atmosphere.
• Coordinate staffing coverage and respond to operational issues as they arise.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to support staff and program operations outside of regular hours.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities for program improvement and operational excellence.
• Assist with implementation of policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.

Crisis Support & Direct Service

• Provide direct peer support services to individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or co-occurring challenges.
• Support staff during complex or high-acuity situations and provide consultation regarding appropriate interventions.
• Assist guests in identifying strengths, recovery goals, wellness strategies, and pathways to ongoing support.
• Promote hope, self-determination, recovery, and resilience through peer-based support practices.
• Maintain program fidelity to the Living Room model and trauma-informed principles.

Documentation & Quality Assurance

• Review staff documentation to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with program standards.
• Monitor quality and consistency of guest records and data collection.
• Support compliance with organizational policies, funding requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Assist with tracking outcomes, identifying trends, and supporting continuous quality improvement efforts.

Organizational Leadership

• Contribute ideas, feedback, and solutions that strengthen the Living Room Program and NAMI McHenry County as a whole.
• Participate in agency meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two years of experience in behavioral health, peer support, social services, crisis services, recovery support, or a related field.
• Ability to work Monday-Friday, 11:30 p.m.-8:00 a.m.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn electronic health record systems and other technology platforms.
• Ability to pass all required background screenings.

• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or willingness to obtain certification.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or a related field.
• Previous supervisory, team leadership, or shift leadership experience.
• Experience working within crisis response, recovery-oriented, behavioral health, or peer support programs.
• Experience using electronic health record systems.

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Commitment to recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to build positive relationships with guests, staff, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, healthy boundaries, and cultural humility.
• Values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

NAMI McHenry County strongly values lived experience with mental health recovery. Individuals with personal experience navigating mental health or co-occurring challenges are encouraged to apply.

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to utilize a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to remain stationary and/or move throughout the facility as needed to support program operations.

• Help lead one of Illinois' most innovative peer-led crisis response programs.
• Work within a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
• Help shape the future of a rapidly growing organization.
• Access ongoing training, professional development, and leadership opportunities.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous PTO and Sick Time
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance