Peer Support Specialist - Emergency Services

Position Title: Peer Support Specialist - Emergency Services

Job Location: Bennington, VT

Education Level High School

Salary Range: $20.94 - $23.56 Hourly

Job Shift: Any

Job Category: Non-Credentialed Position

Description:

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. DIRECT CLIENT SUPPORT SERVICES:

• Provide direct peer support using active listening, motivational interviewing, and strength-based conversations.
• Assist clients during crisis admissions and discharges, including completing required forms, interviews, inventories, and orientation.
• Help individuals navigate outpatient intakes and support follow-up with community providers.
• Conduct and facilitate daily client engagement activities such as check-ins and peer-led groups.
• Support meal preparation and maintain a welcoming environment at Battelle House.
• Assist clients with medication understanding and prescription pickups.
• Provide outreach to community members in need of services.

2.0 2.0 CLINICAL AND CRISIS SUPPORT

• Provide peer support during mobile crisis calls and co-responses.
• Support client safety and emotional de-escalation during crises.
• Triage, screen, and route incoming crisis calls; escalate to clinicians when needed.
• Assist with bed calls, referrals, and prior authorizations for psychiatric hospitalizations.

3.0 3.0 CLINICAL OPERATIONS AND MEDICATION SUPPORT

• Take and record vital signs upon client admission and discharge.
• Assist nursing staff with delegated medication administration and tracking.
• Support documentation related to medication-related activities

4.0 PEER GROUP FACILITATION & RESOURCE NAVIGATION

• Lead or co-lead peer support groups promoting recovery and community.
• Assist clients with accessing internal and external resources.
• Promote autonomy, self-direction, and healing.

5.0 CLIENT IDENTIFICATION, OUTREACH, AND ADVOCACY

• Advocate for client rights across settings, including hospitals, meetings, and community interactions.
• Conduct outreach to individuals who could benefit from UCS services.
• Foster family and natural support connections where clinically appropriate.

6.0 RECORD KEEPING & DOCUMENTATION

• Complete all documentation accurately and timely, supporting quality care and billing.
• Maintain professional and confidential records.

7.0 AGENCY PARTICIPATION

• Collaborate across departments and participate in agency-wide initiatives.
• Uphold UCS values of equity, compassion, and person-centered care.

Qualifications: EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Lived experience with mental health, trauma, or related challenges.
- Certification in Intentional Peer Support (IPS) within one year of hire and maintained throughout employment.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Certification in Intentional Peer Support (IPS) within one year of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Experience facilitating support groups or working in a peer-led environment.
- Knowledge of mental health systems, neurodiversity, psychiatric survivorship, and recovery frameworks.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

- Experience providing peer support.
- Familiarity with trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills.
- Organizational skills and experience with electronic records.
- Ability to maintain emotional composure under stress.
- Understanding of HIPAA, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.
- Commitment to recovery-oriented, person-driven service models.

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