Certified Peer Specialist I

The Department of Mental Health's Brockton Multi Service Center (BMSC) is seeking an experienced Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) for the Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) program.  The successful candidate will be a part of a multi-disciplinary team that provides comprehensive services to individuals living in the community. The CPS will provide advocacy, support and education to persons served; provide information and training in recovery tools and techniques to persons served and other ACCS team members; support linkage with community / peer support resources; support the teaching and use of independent living skills as well as contribute to creating and maintaining a therapeutic atmosphere for persons served and colleagues. 

Please Note: This position is 40 hours per week. The selected candidate will work the 1st shift from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The days off are Saturday and Sunday. 

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive):

• Provides advocacy, support, and education to persons served during intake and transitions across the spectrum of services and transition to independence
• Assists persons served to communicate their personal recovery goals and action plans to their treatment teams.
• Provides information and training on recovery tools and techniques as well as self management and coping strategies to persons served.
• Supports the development and use of self advocacy skills to persons served to aid in their recovery process.
• Provides training and consultation to other ACCS staff to facilitate an understanding of the perspectives of persons served.
• Provides recovery resource information and opportunities to persons served and staff.
• Serves as a mentor to promote hope, resiliency and empowerment.
• Serves as a member of an ACCS team, which includes attendance at regularly scheduled team and treatment meetings.
• Assists in the development, understanding, & implementation of treatment plans in order to assist the person served in learning skills to live successfully in the community.
• Assesses on an ongoing basis the needs of assigned persons served by providing peer support, reviewing records, making home visits and maintaining regular contact with persons served and families in order to ensure that appropriate recommendations for treatment are made.
• Advocates for persons served by acting as a liaison between them and the community to ensure that persons served are receiving appropriate services in the community.
• Assists persons served in a teaching atmosphere to educate and support them in identified areas of rehab such as ADLs, symptom management, leisure time, vocational development, etc., by utilizing strategies that promote recovery & rehabilitation.
• Responsible for ensuring that assigned persons served are encouraged to attend recommended physical, dental, and other medical appointments and that written reports and orders are obtained in order to ensure that the person served receives adequate medical follow up and care.
• Responsible for reading & communicating all pertinent information and attending daily rounds and staff meetings and informing supervisor or designee of any critical information.
• Responsible for transporting or arranging transportation for persons served that need that level of service by using state or personal vehicle.
• Responsible for supporting persons served with accessing Emergency services when warranted.
• Involve all assigned persons served and significant others, when appropriate, in the process of treatment planning and ensure.
• Responsible for facilitating or co-facilitating peer recovery meetings/groups or other peer groups or peer run activities as assigned by team leader or designee.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with people with chronic mental illness.
• Bi-lingual preferred.

 

Special Requirements:

• Certification through a certification Peer Specialist Program is required.
• Current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license or equivalent license from the state in which you reside for travel. 

 

DMH Mission Statement:

The Brockton Multi Service Center (BMSC) provides comprehensive services to adults with mental health diagnoses.  BMSC programs include Case Management, Adult Community Clinical Services, Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) and outpatient services.  The Brockton Multi Service Center is a Joint Commission certified facility. In all we always aspire to create an environment which promotes growth and independence for clients, families, and employees alike.  We offer an excellent salary and benefit package including, tuition remission, health insurance, alternative work schedules, educational/certification incentives (as per Union Contract), shift and w/e differentials.

 

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122, Option 4.

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.   Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and Peer certification through a recognized Certified Specialist Program.     Based on assignment to a Family Support Specialist position applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of an approved Professional Parent Advisory League (PAL) entry-level training as a Family Support Specialist.    Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment. 

 

 

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

 

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.