Peer Support Specialist

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (This is not an exhaustive list of all duties/responsibilities.  Other duties may be assigned)

• Respond to Mobile Crisis dispatches in the community alongside QMHP and or QMHA.
• Collaborate closely with QMHPs, QMHAs, law enforcement partners, EMS, St. Alphonsus Emergency Department, and community providers.
• Participate in shift debriefings, case consultations, and team meetings.
• Use Lived experience to build rapport, reduce stress, and support individuals who are in emotional or behavioral health crisis.
•  Provide grounding techniques, emotional support, coping skills, and non-clinical supportive presence.
• Assist clients in identifying strengths, self-determination, and recovery-oriented pathways.
• Ability to respond appropriately to and deescalate a crisis.
• Document client progresses per department policies and procedure.
• Offer hope, validation, empowerment, modeling recovery through lived experience.
• Encourage self-advocacy and support individuals in understanding their rights, choices and treatment options.
• Assist clients in connecting with outpatient treatment, peer-run organizations, housing support, crisis respite, detox and community resources.
• Complete concise documentation of peer services, interventions, and client interactions in alignment with OARs and agency documentation standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA, OHA Peer Code of Ethics, and agency privacy policies.
• Participate in mandatory training, including safety protocols and field readiness training.

Qualifications

     Required:

• High School Diploma/GED
• OHA-recognized Peer Certification
  • PSS (Peer Support Specialist – Mental Health)
  • PWS (Peer Wellness Specialist)
  • CRM (Certified Recovery Mentor)
  • Youth or Family Peer Credential
• Must identify as a person with lived experience of mental health challenges, trauma, or substance use recovery.
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work respectfully, collaboratively, and safely in community-based crisis environments.
• Successful completion of background check (including LEDS NCIC)

     Preferred:

• Experience working on a Mobile Crisis Team, with 988 Crisis Services, housing outreach or emergency behavioral health settings.
• Bilingual/multilingual

Required Physical Demands

• Is frequently required to stand; walk; climb or balance, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; reach with hands and arms
• Must be able to lift and carry 20 lbs. of weight; push/pull objects

Work Environment

• Work may be stressful with risk of verbal and physical threats from clients; the noise level is mild to moderate; may be exposed to airborne pathogens; potential repetitive hand motion and eye strain; 60% office-based, 40% field
• Ability to work in a correctional setting, with potential delays (up to 15 minutes) to exit the facility or access restrooms

Salary : $21