Certified Peer Specialist

Brightli • Independence, MO

12d

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) provides recovery-focused support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Drawing on personal experience with mental illness and formal training, the CPS offers hope, inspiration, and guidance to help people manage symptoms, navigate service systems, and reclaim their lives. The role promotes growth, independence, wellness, self-determination, and person-centered recovery.

The position is in the Adult Housing department in Independence, Missouri, and serves the Kansas City, Missouri area. The CPS supports people through advocacy, emotional support, crisis situations, practical-skills development, and connections to community resources. The role also includes guiding individuals through service systems, maintaining ethical boundaries and privacy, and entering clinical documentation into a computerized record system.

Applicants must be a Certified Missouri Peer Specialist and have at least a high school diploma or GED. A valid driver's license and reliable vehicle are also required. The position is full-time and includes paid time off, health, dental, vision, retirement and life benefits, training, and career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

• Certified Missouri Peer Specialist credential.
• At least a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively with groups of clients, organization employees, family members, and community contacts.
• Basic arithmetic ability using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and use common-sense judgment in standardized situations involving several concrete variables.
• Successful completion of mandatory continuing education to maintain certification.
• Successful completion of CPR, First Aid, and CPI training.
• Ability to establish effective relationships by telephone and in person, follow direction, and accept supervision.
• Ability to work with a variety of human problems and competently handle crisis intervention.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others.

Responsibilities

• Empower individuals with mental illness to recognize their strengths, set goals, and make informed decisions.
• Support individuals in self-advocacy and accessing resources and services, and advocate on behalf of consumers to improve systems and policies.
• Provide emotional support through active listening, validation, encouragement, and sharing personal experiences appropriately.
• Assist individuals during crises by helping de-escalate situations, connecting them with appropriate services, and supporting the development of coping skills.
• Teach practical skills, including problem solving, communication, stress management, symptom management, and relapse prevention.
• Connect individuals to community resources for housing, employment, education, vocational training, transportation, financial assistance, and peer support.
• Explain service-system options and benefits, facilitate appointments, and accompany individuals to meetings with service providers.
• Promote a recovery-oriented approach focused on wellness, self-determination, and person-centered planning.
• Follow ethical guidelines and codes of conduct, protect privacy, obtain consent, avoid dual relationships, and practice self-care.
• Enter clinical documentation into a computerized record system.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 counseling, legal assistance, and financial consultation for the employee and household at no cost.
• Mileage reimbursement for work functions requiring travel.
• Employee discounts on hotels, theme parks, attractions, and college tuition.
• Paid time off for full-time employees.
• Health, dental, vision, retirement, and life benefits for full-time employees.
• Initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive training.
• Career advancement opportunities and promotion from within.
• Supportive workplace culture focused on employee wellbeing.

What This Job Offers

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