Certified Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Certified Peer Support Specialist assigned to the Crisis Stabilization Center Services work daily in partnership with the Mobile Crisis Response Team and our Rapid Access Center Staff to oversee and implement activities in support of its current fully accredited Crisis Stabilization Center (CSC) .

Under supervision, Certified Peer Support Specialists provide mental health and /or substance abuse interventions which include a wide range of support services and advocacy that contribute to a client’s ability to engage in ongoing treatment. Service provisions focus on working with clients to enhance recovery services in a group or individual setting.

The Certified Peer Support Specialist assigned to our Crisis Services will fulfill the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Respond to emergency crisis situations within the community as assigned and as a part of the Mobile Crisis Response Team.
• Provide face to face crisis response/assessment services.
• Provide resources for individuals in need of Mental Health and Substance Use Services. Support and link clients to area resources with follow up services for after discharge.
• Represent the organization in a professional manner by providing  a positive and supportive influence on the clients, as well the staff.
• Work closely with the Mobile Crisis Response Team, Crisis Services Supervisor, Behavioral Health and Addictions Teams, and Chief Clinical Officer to ensure that the staff are well supported in providing excellent consumer service and support, including in response to crisis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Assist in developing formal and informal community support resources.
• Assist the clients served in increasing social support networks of relatives, friends, and/or significant others.
• Offer encouragement in times of crisis.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with behavioral health problems to protect the client’s rights and to assist in reducing associated stigma.
• Conduct individual and/or group sessions while supporting Recovery Goals.
• Work in conjunction with other providers, family members or significant others involved in the client’s recovery plan.
• Attend required agency staff meetings, case conferences, and individual/group supervisions.

• Must maintain established standards and productivity.
• Observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment, both internally and when dealing with external agencies and/or individuals.
• Act responsibly regarding an understanding of the client’s rights, policies and procedures.
• Must participate in all required staff training and development.
• Maintain a high level of ethical conduct regarding confidentiality, dual-relationships, and professional stature.

This position may be responsible for performing other duties as assigned and/or at other locations.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

• Must have a minimum of a High School diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma.
• Must have lived experience and be in long-term recovery (at least 3 years) from mental illness and/or substance abuse.
• Minimum of one year of experience in mental health, peer coaching, or related experience preferred.
• Must have lived experience and be in long-term recovery (at least 3 years) from mental illness/substance abuse.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to meet written communication requirements. 
• Ability to work twelve-hour shifts, and/or rotating shifts.
• Knowledge of community resources, referral processes, and risk assessments preferred
• Familiarity of the Gary and Lake County Community.
• Basic knowledge of the Recovery Model highly preferred.
• Ability to attend required in-house and/or out-of-town training. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and a clean driver’s record that is in accordance with EH motor vehicle policy.
• Peer Recovery Certification required or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
• CPR Certification required.
• CPI Certification required.