Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (Mcot) Peer Support Specialist

At Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center our vision is to empower people, foster hope,
support choice, and celebrate success.

**HILL COUNTRY MHDD CENTERS IS OFFERING A $2,000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR ALL FULL-TIME, NEW HIRE EMPLOYEES**
Help us help others:

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual to join the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) as a Mental Health Crisis Peer Support Specialist. In this role, you will provide crucial support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, offering empathy, understanding, and guidance to support them in navigating through difficult moments. As a Peer Support Specialist, you will draw upon your personal lived experience with mental health challenges to connect with and empower those in crisis, while also collaborating with mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive care. This position will provide support in crisis intervention, prevention, and postvention services. The Crisis Peer Support Specialist will provide case management, skills training, engagement, and Peer Support to adults in individual and group settings with a goal of preventing recurring crises and improving individual coping skills and circumstances. This compassionate, caring, and supportive team member will contribute to the skills improvement, achievements, and overall quality of life for those in a mental/behavioral health crisis.

You will get to:

• Respond to individuals in mental health crisis, in person, by video, or over the phone, by providing immediate emotional support and active listening. Utilize your personal experience to empathize and connect with individuals, creating a safe space for open dialogue.
• Establish a supportive and non-judgmental relationship with individuals in crisis, demonstrating empathy and understanding. Share personal experiences as appropriate to instill hope, encourage self-advocacy, and promote resilience.
• Review self-assessments of individuals' immediate needs and level of distress. Collaborate with mental health professionals to determine appropriate interventions and make referrals to appropriate services and resources within the community.
• Assist individuals in developing personalized crisis safety plans, fostering empowerment and self-management strategies to promote long-term mental health stability. Educate individuals on available community resources for ongoing support.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with individuals, adhering to organizational policies and legal requirements. Collect, analyze, and report on data necessary to contribute to the overall understanding and improvement of crisis response services.
• Stay updated on current mental health practices, crisis intervention techniques, and Peer Support best practices. Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including mental health professionals, crisis counselors, and other Peer Support Specialists. Engage in regular team meetings and case consultations to ensure coordinated care for individuals in crisis. Assess individual needs and collaborate with people to develop and execute effective recovery and life management plans.
• Provide relevant skills training to improve daily life.
• Collaborate with service providers and agencies to be a liaison for effective care and positive outcomes.
• Collaborate with, and provide outreach to, community partners, organizations, and stakeholders.
• Maintain compliance with all legal requirements and company policies and procedures.
• Consistently meet with individuals to maintain progress as well as compliance.
• Work alongside law enforcement and emergency medical personnel

You’ll definitely need:

• Have personal experience with mental health challenges and recovery, and demonstrate resilience and stability in your own journey.
• Exhibit exceptional active listening skills, empathy, and the ability to establish rapport with individuals in crisis. Effectively communicate complex concepts in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.
• Demonstrate the ability to remain calm, composed, and solution-focused in high-pressure situations. Exhibit excellent crisis de-escalation skills and knowledge of appropriate interventions.
• Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical conduct, ensuring the privacy and dignity of individuals in crisis.
• Possess cultural competence and sensitivity to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, respecting their unique experiences and needs.
• Display strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to a cohesive and supportive work environment.
• A valid Texas State Driver’s License.
• Current automobile insurance and the ability to travel to individuals when necessary.

We’ll also want you to:

• Be available to manage crisis situations as they occur in sometimes off-scheduled hours.
• Employ excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage and report effectively.
• Maintain a well-organized schedule while allowing room for flexibility and adjustment as needed to best support individuals in crisis.
• Maintain accurate and timely collaborative documentation.
• Work autonomously to complete assignments within company and state parameters with a high level of quality. 
• Complete and maintain both CPR certification and Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behavior training.
• Document, maintain, analyze, and report data using Google Docs, Excel, Microsoft TEAMS
• Possess certification or training in Peer Support, crisis intervention, or a related field. Additional mental health certifications or relevant education are advantageous.
• Other duties as assigned.

We’re excited to provide:

• PPO health insurance plan, with option to add dependents.
• PPO dental plan and vision insurance options for healthy teeth and eyes.
• Employer paid life insurance.
• 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options with company matching to build retirement savings so you can retire someday.
• Generous paid time off for fun and vacations and paid sick time for when you’re under the weather.
• Authentic and caring environment where folks care about each other.

We can pay you:

Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and certifications.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals experiencing mental health crises, and if you possess the necessary lived experience and skills, we invite you to apply for the role of Mental Health Crisis Peer Support Specialist. Join our team and help us create a compassionate and supportive community for those in need.