Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist serves as a member of the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCR-T), partnering with a Crisis Counselor to provide rapid, community-based behavioral health and substance use crisis support. Drawing upon lived experience and recovery principles, the Peer Support Specialist provides trauma-informed peer support, engagement, advocacy, resource linkage, and follow-up services to individuals and families experiencing behavioral health crises.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Crisis Response and Peer Support

· Serve as the Peer Support Specialist on a Mobile Crisis Response Team alongside a Crisis Counselor.

· Provide community-based crisis support in homes, schools, hospitals, and other community settings.

· Utilize lived experience and recovery principles to establish rapport and engage individuals in crisis.

· Provide trauma-informed peer support during and following crisis events.

· Assist individuals in identifying strengths, coping skills, supports, and recovery resources.

· Support clients in understanding and verbalizing triggers, warning signs, and strategies to prevent future crises.

· Assist with de-escalation efforts for individuals experiencing acute behavioral health symptoms.

· Promote hope, empowerment, and self-advocacy throughout the recovery process.

Maintain engagement with individuals following crisis events to support stabilization and linkage to services.

· Assist individuals in accessing behavioral health treatment, substance use services, housing resources, medical care, transportation, benefits, and other community supports.

· Participate in outreach and engagement efforts designed to increase access to crisis and behavioral health services.

· Work collaboratively with clients, families, support systems, agency staff, and community providers to identify appropriate next steps following a crisis event.

· Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and care coordination activities.

· Maintain records in accordance with agency, state, federal, and payer requirement.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

· High School Diploma or GED required.

· Personal lived experience with behavioral health and/or substance use recovery.

· Ability to utilize lived experience in a professional and recovery-oriented manner.

· Ability to establish positive and supportive relationships with individuals experiencing crisis.

Required Certifications

· Must obtain Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification within two (2) years of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

· Previous experience providing peer support services.

· Experience working with individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use challenges.

· Knowledge of community resources and behavioral health systems.

· Experience working with diverse populations and community partners.

Additional Requirements

· Valid driver's license and insurable driving record.

· Ability to travel throughout the designated service area.

· Ability to work flexible schedules as needed.

· Successful completion of required background checks and agency screening requirements.

Benefits

· Competitive pay based on qualifications, experience, and credentials (starting at $15.00 per hour).

· Generous full-time benefits package including:

o Health Insurance

o Dental Insurance

o Vision Insurance

o Long-Term Disability Insurance

o 401(k) Retirement Plan

o Paid Time Off (PTO)

o Paid Holidays

· Agency-paid benefit contribution of approximately 90%.

· Shift differential opportunities.

· Ongoing training and professional development.

· Opportunity to utilize lived experience to positively impact individuals, families, and communities experiencing behavioral health crises.