Certified Peer Specialist

CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES INC•Plymouth, MA

7d•$24 - $26

About The Position

A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is an individual with lived experience in the mental health system and/or in recovery who has been trained to effectively share their experiences to support others. The CPS provides emotional support, advocacy, and practical assistance to individuals presenting for mental health crisis evaluations in various settings, including Emergency Departments (ED), Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), and during mobile crisis evaluations. CPS plays a key role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment while collaborating with clinical teams to facilitate recovery-oriented care. Child and Family Services recognizes the power in Diversity and believes that Equity is a Human Right. $1 per hour Language Differential! (eligible languages include: Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, or Spanish) Child & Family Services carefully considers a wide range of factors when determining compensation including, but not limited to, prior experience, education, certification(s), license(s), skills and expertise, location, internal equity and other factors that are job related and consistent with business need. Our goal is to support, reward and compensate the entire individual. Depending on role eligibility, your offer may include a bonus or other incentives. Therefore, final offer amounts may vary from the amount stated. SCHEDULE: 20 HOURS PER WEEK Tuesday (10-5) Thursday (10-5) Friday (10-4)

Requirements

Must have personal experience with mental illness and recovery.
Must be a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) through an approved Massachusetts training program.
Must be comfortable working with individuals experiencing severe mental illness and/or crisis.
Must maintain appropriate boundaries when sharing personal experiences.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Awareness of personal attitudes, beliefs, biases, and assumptions about others
Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including gender, race, and ethnicity
Acknowledging that people from other cultural groups may not share the same beliefs and practices or perceive experiences in the same way
Cultural knowledge of key populations that will be served to address disparities in service delivery
Demonstrates positive attitudes towards cultural differences by showing respect and openness towards people whose social and cultural background is different from one's own
Demonstrates skills for communication and interaction across cultures, including the ability to recognize and manage personal behaviors, moods, and impulses to create an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming climate within the agency
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation that meets CFS Driver Policy.
Travel is required to provide services in different settings and to attend agency meetings, events, and trainings

Responsibilities

Establishes and maintains healthy boundaries regarding confidentiality and professional relationships while sharing lived experience as appropriate.
Provides emotional support and reassurance to individuals undergoing crisis evaluations.
Demonstrates strong knowledge of recovery principles and person-centered, trauma-informed care.
Assists in facilitating communication between individuals in crisis, their families, and clinical staff.
Offers comfort items, such as food, encouragement, and engaging activities, to individuals awaiting services.
Works collaboratively with clinicians to support individuals in accessing appropriate services.
Helps individuals understand the evaluation process and next steps in their care.
Shares coping strategies and learned skills that promote recovery and stress management.
Engages with individuals to identify their strengths, existing supports, and available community resources.
Assists individuals receiving care in Adult Crisis Stabilization Units (ACSU) and other crisis settings as needed.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of local resources and community-based supports.

Benefits

Benefit eligible at 20+ hours per week
Medical – Harvard Pilgrim/HealthPlans Inc.
Dental – Delta Dental of MA
Vision - EyeMed
Wellworks for You (Employee Wellness)
2 weeks’ vacation accrued over 1st year, 3 weeks after 3 years, 4 weeks after 5 years and 5 weeks after 20 years
12 Sick Days, 10 Paid Holidays, and 2 Personal Days per year
Tuition reimbursement – Up to $1,500 per calendar year
Professional Licensure reimbursement (LICSW, LMHC)
Flexible spending accounts – save on medical expenses and dependent care!
401K – CFS matches first 1% at 100%; 2%-6% of annual earnings are matched at 50%
100% Employer paid Life Insurance
100% Employer paid Long Term Disability and AD&D
24-hour travel assistance, mileage reimbursement, discounted Healthtrax gym membership, and employee appreciation events!