Drop-In Center Coordinator

Position Title : Drop-In Center Coordinator

Location: McHenry County

Reports To: Recovery Support Manager

Status: Full-time, hourly role (12pm - 8:30pm, Monday - Friday)

Pay : $18 - 24 / hour, depending on experience

NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI McHenry County is a local affiliate of NAMI. Our mission is to give our community a safe place to find hope and support on the journey to improve mental health.

Position Description:

The Drop-In Center Coordinator is an individual who identifies as a peer and uses their lived experience to foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all guests. The Coordinator oversees daily operations of the Drop-In Center—creating a space where adults with mental health conditions can build community, access resources, and feel a sense of belonging.

This role requires a people-centered professional with a passion for community-building, collaboration, and creative program development. The Coordinator will develop and maintain a robust schedule of activities and partnerships—including wellness programming (such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness), art workshops, game nights, skill-building opportunities, and workforce-related programming.

The Coordinator will also oversee NAMI McHenry County’s support groups, including scheduling facilitators, ensuring quality and consistency, and serving as a facilitator themselves. Training will be provided by NAMI.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator who thrives in a team environment but is also comfortable working independently. They must be willing and able to self-identify as a peer and model authenticity, hope, and recovery.

This role is in-person, based out of our Crystal Lake office. Hours for this position are 12pm–8:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Drop-In Center Operations

• Create a warm, welcoming environment for all Drop-In Center participants.
• Ensure participant safety through situational awareness, de-escalation skills, and adherence to program policies.
• Maintain daily structure, including check-ins, opening/closing procedures, documentation, and center upkeep.
• Build a positive culture rooted in recovery, respect, and empowerment.
• Assist participants in identifying interests, strengths, social goals, and resources.
• Willingness to cross-train for the Living Room crisis program to support overall staffing needs across the agency.
• Assist the Recovery Support Manager with training and overseeing Drop-In Center Interns.

Program Development & Community Partnerships

• Work with Drop-In Center guests and other stakeholders to develop a rotating schedule of activities that promote wellness, creativity, skill-building, and community engagement.
• Coordinate partnerships with local agencies, educators, artists, and wellness practitioners to bring programming into the center.
• Host recurring offerings (e.g., art workshops, game nights, mindfulness exercises).
• Explore new opportunities—such as workforce readiness programs, hobby groups, and educational events—to enrich the member experience.

Support Group Coordination

• Oversee the scheduling, coordination, and quality management of NAMI support groups.
• Serve as a primary or backup facilitator for groups as needed.
• Maintain strong communication with volunteer facilitators and ensure program fidelity.
• Ensure group members receive appropriate follow-up, referrals, and resource connections.

Peer Support & Lived Experience

• Appropriately self-disclose lived experience as a peer in support of participant hope and recovery.
• Model effective coping skills, emotional regulation, communication strategies, and self-care.
• Utilize personal experiences to help others navigate their own path to recovery.

Administrative & Team Responsibilities

• Track participation, outcomes, and program notes in an EHR system.
• Maintain organized documentation and data for reporting.
• Work collaboratively with the Recovery Support team to ensure safety and quality.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement as NAMI grows.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Obtained or are working towards the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential through the state of Illinois
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required
• Certifications as a facilitator in relevant programs preferred, or be willing to complete within one year of hire
• 2+ years of relevant experience preferred, including volunteer and internship opportunities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Bilingual in Spanish is strongly preferred
• Applicants must pass a background check and driver’s check that meets the State of Illinois requirements
• Must be willing to self-disclose personal experience as a recipient of mental health or dual diagnosis services

Interpersonal

• A people-person with strong communication skills
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Must be a sensitive and mature individual who is able to relate well to all individuals
• Demonstrates warmth, insight, interest, and respect for people with mental health conditions
• Acts within ethical standards and demonstrates healthy boundaries
• Willingness to accept flexibility with their schedule
• Able and willing to be a team player and to work cooperatively with their team and the entire agency
• Able to communicate effectively (oral and written) with clients, staff, and external stakeholders
• Ability to multi task and adhere to timelines set forth for quality management
• Ability to advocate for, motivate, and empower others

Physical Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Ability to lift and/or move at least 10 pounds using proper body mechanics.
• Visual acuity to read a computer screen and other documents.
• Ability to utilize the telephone and respond to callers.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 10 prorated days of PTO (80 hours), accrued in bi-weekly increments
• 12 days of sick leave (96 hours)
• 11 set holidays and 3 floating holidays (112 total hours)
• 2 paid communal rest weeks (the week of the 4th of July and the week of Christmas)
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance
• 4 week paid sabbatical after 5 years of full-time employment
• Company-paid group-term life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Relaxed dress code at the discretion of your supervisor
• Ongoing training opportunities sponsored by NAMI McHenry County
• An amazing mission and culture!

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Matthew ([email protected]) with the subject line “Drop-In Center Coordinator”

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person