Certified Peer Specialist

Brightli • Moberly, MO

20d

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist emphasizes the acquisition, development, and expansion of recovery skills so individuals can engage in their recovery journeys. Through therapeutic relationships with individuals and their families, the specialist helps clients develop skills, access recovery tools and community support, and work toward maintaining recovery. The role provides peer support to people with mental health and substance use disorders, helping them build resilience, connect with their communities, and participate actively in treatment.

The position includes helping clients access medical and community-based services, arranging and providing transportation, coordinating with referral sources and guardians, documenting services, and providing crisis intervention and group education as scheduled. The specialist must maintain appropriate boundaries, protect confidentiality, and adhere to applicable state and CARF standards. Client transportation is required.

Candidates must self-identify as a present or former consumer of mental health or substance use services, or as a person in recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder. The role requires at least one year of direct personal experience with the mental health system as a primary consumer, and at least one year of recovery. State-specific certification and training requirements apply. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and requires successful completion of background checks, new-hire orientation, and required training.

Requirements

• Must be willing to self-identify as a present or former client of mental health and/or substance use services, or as a person in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorder.
• At least one year of direct and personal experience with the mental health system as a primary consumer of services.
• Minimum one year of recovery.
• Must be able to complete a state-approved Certified Peer Support training program and other required trainings within six months of employment.
• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must meet applicable CPRS or CRSS standards; state-specific requirements apply.
• Illinois: requirements include 2,000 hours of supervised work experience, 100 hours of supervision in CRSS performance domains, 100 hours of relevant training and education, and successful completion of a written CRSS exam.
• Missouri: two years of responsible employment history; if required, completion of a five-day basic training program and a state-approved certification examination within six months.
• Kansas: documentation of completion of BHS-approved Level Two in-person KCPS training with a score of at least 80%, and employment as a Kansas Certified Peer Specialist in Training or Kansas Certified Peer Specialist with prior certification.
• Successful completion of background checks, including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint checks.
• Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment and required training, including Relias, at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
• Current driver's license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to offer personal recovery knowledge and experience while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to share recovery skills and help clients identify approaches that work for them.
• Ability to serve as a source of hope by demonstrating the ability to maintain recovery.
• Basic understanding of case management and rehabilitation methods, principles, and techniques related to mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
• Knowledge of challenges faced by people with mental health and/or substance use disorders and of available community resources.
• Familiarity with methods, modalities, legal requirements, and court procedures associated with mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and produce clear, concise reports.
• General computer knowledge.
• Ability to meet the stated light-work physical demands, including occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force, frequently up to 10 pounds, and walking or standing to a significant degree or sitting while using arm or leg controls.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of training techniques and practices used in a substance use disorder or mental health treatment setting is desired.
• Evidence of a sponsor and participation in a 12-step program, if asked.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans and support their active participation in recovery.
• Maintain communication with referral sources and guardians about client progress, transition planning, and relevant clinical matters.
• Participate in meetings to support continuity of care.
• Research and refer individuals to outside resources as needed.
• Schedule appointments and transport clients to and from Recovery Support Services and community-based services.
• Accompany clients to appointments when permitted and represent the agency professionally.
• Support access to medical services and document services in accordance with state and CARF standards.
• Provide crisis intervention and facilitate group education sessions as scheduled.
• Use peer support to promote recovery and resilience among people with mental health and substance use disorders.
• Help individuals connect with peers, their communities, and community-based recovery supports, including mutual aid groups.
• Assist individuals in accessing information and support for mental health and substance use disorders.
• Support individuals in making independent choices and taking an active role in treatment.
• Help individuals identify strengths and recovery resources and set and achieve recovery goals through mentoring, advocacy, and coaching.
• Provide emotional, informational, and instructional support to help clients feel connected and develop recovery skills.
• Encourage clients to maintain a healthy, productive, and sober lifestyle during and after their time in the facility.
• Pursue professional development and complete required training hours and other required trainings.
• Adhere to facility ethical and confidentiality standards.
• Complete required training within the first year of employment on listed topics, including disability-related illnesses, family and caretaker support, client rights, treatment plans, assessment, community support, suicide awareness, quality assurance, infection control, crisis intervention, and involuntary holds.

Benefits

• Paid time off package for full-time employees.
• Health, dental, vision, retirement, life, and other employee benefits for full-time employees.
• Initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive training.
• Career advancement opportunities and promotion from within.
• Welcoming, warm, and supportive workplace culture that promotes well-being and health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED