Intentional Peer Support Specialist - Crisis

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Intentional Peer Support Specialist - Crisis

Job Code: 13251

Location: Augusta 04330

Department: Crisis Intervention Adult

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Summary:

$2,500 Sign-on Bonus!

$20-$21 hourly, based on certification!

Based in Kennebec County.

The Intentional Peer Support Specialist - Crisis provides peer support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in community-based settings, including homes, community locations, and other appropriate environments. Drawing on lived experience and formal training, the Peer Support Specialist offers compassionate emotional support, practical assistance, crisis de-escalation, and advocacy to individuals and families during high-acuity situations.

As a member of a two-person Mobile Crisis response team, the Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with clinical staff to safely reduce distress and support stabilization using the least restrictive, trauma-informed approaches. The Peer Support Specialist helps individuals identify strengths, coping strategies, and immediate needs, and supports linkage to natural supports, community resources, and follow-up services.

This role requires flexibility in scheduling and response, sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to remain grounded and supportive in fast-paced, unpredictable environments while maintaining appropriate boundaries, ethics, and accurate documentation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide peer-based crisis support and de-escalation to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in community settings.
• Use lived experience to model recovery, resilience, and self-advocacy.
• Support individuals in identifying strengths, coping strategies, and immediate needs during crisis encounters.
• Assist individuals with linkage to community resources, natural supports, and follow-up services.
• Collaborate with clinicians, crisis responders, hospitals, law enforcement, and community partners as appropriate.
• Participate in dual-response Mobile Crisis teams.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with agency, CIPSS, and regulatory standards.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines, confidentiality requirements, and professional boundaries.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and required trainings.
• Travel within the service area and transport self and, when appropriate, participants in accordance with agency policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Mobile Crisis operations.
  
  

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Be committed to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Works collaboratively as a member of a team with various groups of staff, depending on the issue addressed.
• Assures quality in work performed.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing and in group or public settings.
• Reports sensitive employee matters to the Director in accordance with Sweetser policies and procedures.
• Provides timely and accurate paperwork, including timesheets, expense reports, and documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

EDUCATION:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
  
  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Active CIPSS certification in good standing. Provisional CIPSS required to be eligible for the role.
• Lived/living experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery consistent with CIPSS guidelines.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a CIPSS-certified peer support role (or equivalent experience, if applicable).
• Ability to complete Department-approved Crisis Peer Support training within required timelines.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
  
  

EXPERIENCE:

• Identifies as a person with lived/living experience with mental health and/or substance use, that was life-interrupting, and has a personal history of recovery, a wellness or change story that guides their peer relationships and peer work.
• Paid or unpaid, peer support experience preferred.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Demonstrates knowledge of personal Recovery.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all applications contained in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrate proficiency in cloud-based video conferencing applications.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and accept differences in perspective and values.