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Form of workJOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Crisis Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
Department: Justice and Crisis Response Department
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt - Full-time
Job Location: Hybrid
Reports To: Certified Peer Support Specialist Lead and/or Clinical Manager
Starting Pay: Certified - DOE
Non-Certified - DOE
Position SummaryThe Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is an active member of the Justice and Crisis Response Unit department, and primary goal is to provide peer support to persons served with a variety of behavioral health conditions within a trauma-informed behavioral health care setting. The Peer Specialist self-identifies as a present or former client of mental health and/or substance use services OR self identifies as a person in recovery from mental health, substance use disorder, or other lived experience. With an emphasis on self- directed recovery and the harm reduction model the Peer Specialist will act as liaison between the person served and the referral source. The Peer Specialist will work predominately in the community (i.e. public settings, client’s home, office, etc.).
Essential Functions:Using a formal goal setting process, the CPS will:
- Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery using one-to- one and group sessions.
- Assist clients in working with their case manager or treatment team in determining the steps he/she needs to take to achieve these goals and self-directed recovery.
- Assist clients in setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups, as well as means of locating and joining existing groups.
- Utilize tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to assist clients in creating their own individual wellness and recovery plans.
- Independently or with periodic assistance of higher graded treatment team members, utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups; discussions will be utilized where clients will share common problems in daily living and methods they have employed to manage and cope with these problems.
- Use ongoing individual and group sessions to teach clients how to identify and combat negative self-talk and how to identify and overcome fears by providing a forum which allows group members and CPS to share their experiences.
- Support clients’ vocational choices and assist them in choosing a job that matches their strengths, overcoming job-related anxiety by reviewing job applications, and providing interview tips.
- Assist clients in building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure.
Utilizing their recovery experience, the CPS will:
- Teach and role model the value of every individual’s recovery experience.
- Assist the client in obtaining decent and affordable housing of his/her choice in the most integrated, independent, and least intrusive or restrictive environment by taking them out to view housing, either driving them or riding with them on public transportation.
- The CPS models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
- Serve as a recovery agent by providing and advocating for any effective recovery-based services that will aid the client in daily living.
- Assist in obtaining services that suit that individual’s recovery needs by providing names of staff, community resources and groups that may be useful.
- Assist clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self-advocacy.
- With assistance from the Certified Peer Support Specialist Lead, the Peer Specialist will work with the clients and other treatment team staff to develop a treatment/recovery plan based on each client’s identified goals. The CPS will document the following on the client’s treatment/recovery plan:
- identified person-centered strengths, needs, abilities, and recovery goals
- interventions to assist the client with reaching their goals for recovery
- progress made toward goals
- The CPS will maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals, and other relevant materials. The CPS will continue to share recovery materials with others at continuing education seminars and other venues to be developed to support recovery-oriented services; and attend continuing education seminars and other in-service training when offered.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned by JCRU leadership.
Knowledge Required by the Position
- Knowledge of the Recovery process and the ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes.
- Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support individual clients in self-directed recovery.
- Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness (i.e. auditory and visual hallucinations, aggressive talk and behavior, thoughts of self-harm or harm towards others, isolation) and the ability to assist the client to address symptoms using strategies such as positive self-talk.
- Knowledge and skill sufficient to use community resources necessary for independent living and ability to teach those skills to other individuals with severe mental illness. Community resources may include but are not limited to social security office, Department of Family and Children services, local YMCA, Library, restaurants, clients’ service organizations, housing providers, etc. The CPS may accompany clients to community resources to assist them in accessing these resources.
- Knowledge of how to establish and sustain self-help (mutual support) and educational groups by soliciting input from the mental health consumers on their strengths and interests.
Education, Experience, Skills Required, and Professional Characteristics:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Certified Peer Specialist preferred; however, non-Certified Peer Specialist must pass a State of Missouri approved certification examination within six months.
- Education and certification verification.
- Employment and/or personal reference checks.
- Background check that includes criminal history and abuse/ neglect.
- One year of clinical experience preferred, but not required.
- Strong service coordination and team building skills.
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training-Required-can be completed upon hire
- First Aid/CPR certification
- A valid driver’s license is required as some driving and/or transportation may be required to take clients to medical appointments, job sites, social activities, and other community resources.
- MO Class E or state equivalent driver's license (Required)
- Motor vehicle driving record check (Required)
At BHR, we believe that every team member has an integral role in the lifesaving treatment we provide. We are a trauma informed agency, and we hire people who are passionate about our mission and are committed to improving the lives of those we serve through our trauma informed models of practice.
Behavioral Health Response is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, national origin, or any other legally protected status.
