BHW Peer Specialist

Solvista Health•Canon City, CO

14d•$19 - $25

About The Position

A Behavioral Health Worker/Peer provides services to individuals and families who need assistance with behavioral health or substance use problems, including alcohol and/or drug use. The role draws on lived experience with mental illness and/or addiction, alongside formal training, to provide services in behavioral health and crisis settings. The Peer Specialist works under supervision as part of a clinical team, supporting inpatient clients and responding to community crisis calls. The position also provides peer support, recovery education, advocacy, basic physical care, client observation and documentation, and community outreach. The role operates in a fast-paced professional office and health center environment, with regular or intermittent travel to conferences, meetings, and branch locations. Work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, loud noises, blood-borne pathogens, communicable diseases, and individuals who may be dissatisfied, abusive, mentally ill, disabled, elderly, or emotionally upset. This is largely sedentary work, but may require extended standing or sitting, bending, handling papers or equipment, and lifting 10 to 25 pounds without assistance. The schedule requires three 12-hour day shifts (7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.) and five on-call night shifts (7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.) per month. Employment conditions include annual TB screening, federally required drug screening, influenza vaccination or compliance with policy and procedure, and possession of a valid state driver’s license. A post-offer drug screen is required.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Ability to demonstrate reading, writing, and speaking skills successfully.
Knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders.
Good communication skills.
Understanding of client rights, confidentiality, ethics, and professional roles.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and recognize potential risks.
Ability to model appropriate use of personal story and self-disclosure.
Ability to accept diversity and understand cultural competency.
Understanding of trauma, resiliency, recovery, and a wellness-oriented lifestyle.
Ability to demonstrate and teach wellness life skills.
Ability to encourage development of natural supports.
Willingness to seek supervision and/or ask for direction.
Conflict resolution skills.
Ability to learn, teach, and implement evidence-based practices and curriculum appropriate to specified clinical needs.
Organization, time management, and prioritization skills.
Ability to manage relationships constructively and positively.
Ability to work three 12-hour day shifts (7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.) and five on-call night shifts (7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.) per month.
Possession of a valid state driver’s license.
Must submit to and pass a post-offer drug screen.
Must meet conditions of annual TB screening, federally required drug screening, and influenza vaccination or comply with applicable policy and procedure.

Responsibilities

Work as part of a clinical team, coordinate client interactions with the team, follow client treatment plans, and work under supervision.
Work with inpatient clients and respond to community crisis calls.
Maintain professionalism and confidentiality during the problem-solving process.
Develop and co-facilitate educational activities for designated clients and families.
Facilitate strength-based recovery group meetings.
Schedule and coordinate client appointments with clinicians’ assistance.
Provide general information about recovery from mental health and substance use issues.
Perform advocacy and peer support tasks as assigned.
Perform basic physical care procedures, including taking vital signs, assisting with physical exams, and feeding patients.
Observe and assess clients’ behavioral health status and provide evidence-based intervention strategies.
Refer clients to clinicians or care coordinators for follow-up as needed.
Provide concrete support and ensure safety plans are implemented.
Work with clinicians, specialists, care coordinators, and psychiatric providers as part of a team.
Document patient contacts and other clinical information in the health record system.
Provide community outreach and education.
Participate in job-related training sessions and seminars.
Attend required staff meetings.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance for assigned work shifts.
Transport clients or arrange transportation as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.