Certified Peer Mentor - Shelter Based

Mental Health America of South Central Kansas•Eastborough, KS

1h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist utilizes lived experience in recovery to provide support, mentorship, and encouragement to residents within a shelter-based environment. This role helps residents build skills, increase independence, and take an active role in their recovery by modeling coping strategies, promoting self-advocacy, and supporting engagement in services. The Peer Specialist contributes to a welcoming, respectful environment that fosters hope, dignity, and connection.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Proficiency in basic computer systems and software programs including electronic health record systems
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
Strong service delivery, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment
Level 1 Driver: valid driver's license, reliable transportation, insurance and clean MVR required
Driving for community-based services
Sitting for extended periods of time
Lifting/carrying up to thirty (30) pounds
Climb, Bending, Stooping, Balancing

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in relevant role preferred

Responsibilities

Provide peer support services in a shelter-based environment, aligned with resident goals and recovery plans
Share lived experience appropriately to model recovery, coping skills, and self-management strategies
Support residents in developing skills related to daily living, decision-making, and community integration
Facilitate or support group and individual peer interactions that encourage recovery and connection
Collaborate with Team Leads, Behavioral Health staff, and Case Managers to support resident goals
Communicate relevant updates regarding resident engagement, needs, and progress
Support connection to internal services and community resources as appropriate
Participate in team meetings, shift communication, and supervision
Observe resident engagement, behaviors, and recovery progress within the shelter-based environment
Identify changes in needs or concerns and communicate with team members or supervisors
Provide support during challenging situations using learned coping and de-escalation strategies
Encourage use of wellness and recovery plans (e.g., coping strategies, WRAP principles)
Build authentic, respectful relationships with residents using a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach
Encourage participation in services, routines, and goal-setting activities
Promote self-advocacy, independence, and informed decision-making
Foster a welcoming and supportive shelter environment that enhances the overall resident experience
Complete accurate, timely documentation of peer services in accordance with agency standards
Maintain required logs, notes, and communication records
Meet productivity expectations and submit documentation within required timeframes
Complete required trainings and maintain peer certification standards
Demonstrates clear, respectful, and professional communication in both verbal and written interactions, with a focus on collaboration and solution-oriented dialogue
Shares information responsibly and addresses concerns constructively while maintaining a positive, professional demeanor—even in challenging situations
Effectively manages workload by prioritizing tasks, planning proactively, and addressing challenges to meet deadlines and responsibilities
Maintains a solution-focused approach and professional composure while balancing competing priorities
Demonstrates dependability by consistently meeting commitments, deadlines, and responsibilities while taking ownership of work and outcomes
Acts with integrity, follows through on obligations, and addresses mistakes proactively to support a culture of accountability and trust
Demonstrates adaptability by embracing new processes, priorities, and organizational changes with resilience and a willingness to learn
Adjusts work approaches as needed and supports others through change with a constructive, solution-focused mindset
Demonstrates behaviors aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and professional standards while supporting goals and initiatives through actions and attitude
Consistently follows policies and ethical guidelines, maintains confidentiality, and contributes to a culture of professionalism, respect, and service