Certified Peer Specialist

Brightli • Independence, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) at Burrell Behavioral Health in the Kansas City, Missouri area, specifically within Adult Housing Services. The CPS provides recovery-focused support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, utilizing their personal experience with mental illness to offer hope, inspiration, and guidance. Key responsibilities include empowering individuals to recognize their strengths, set goals, and make informed choices; advocating for consumers to improve systems and policies; and supporting individuals in self-advocacy. The role combines personal experience with formal training to foster growth, independence, and recovery. The job description also highlights the benefits of living in the Kansas City area, including its culture, amenities, and affordability.

Requirements

• Must be a Certified Missouri Peer Specialist with at least a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively before groups of clients, employees of the organization, family members, and other contacts in the community.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Shall successfully complete all mandatory continuing education to maintain certificate and successfully complete CPR, First Aid, and CPI Training.
• Shall be able to establish effective relationships via telephone and personal contacts.
• Shall be able to follow direction and accept supervision.
• Shall have the ability to work with a variety of human problems and the competence to handle crisis intervention.
• Shall be able to enter clinical documentation into a computerized record system.
• A valid driver's license and a 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 about their lives.
• Support individuals in advocating for themselves and accessing needed resources and services, while also advocating on behalf of consumers to improve systems and policies.
• Provide emotional support through active listening, validation, encouragement, and sharing personal experiences in ways that inspire hope and resilience.
• Assist individuals during crises, helping de-escalate situations, connecting them to appropriate services, and supporting coping skills development.
• Teach practical skills like problem solving, communication, stress management, symptom management, and relapse prevention.
• Connect individuals to relevant community resources, such as housing, employment, education, vocational training, transportation, financial assistance, and peer support groups.
• Guide individuals through complex service systems, explaining options and benefits, facilitating appointments, and accompanying individuals to meetings with service providers.
• Encourage a recovery-oriented philosophy focused on wellness, self-determination, and person-centered planning.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and codes of conduct, safeguarding privacy, obtaining consent, avoiding dual relationships, and practicing self-care.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
• Mileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travel
• Employee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College Tuition
• Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
• Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
• Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
• Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within

What This Job Offers

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