Peer Support Specialist (Part-Time) - Hattiesburg, MS

About the position

The responsibility of the Peer Support Specialist is to serve as a representative of, and advocate for, youth and their families with behavioral health treatment needs who are youth of the outpatient clinic. The Peer Support Specialist is also responsible for supporting families' emotional well-being with empathy and personal experiences of overcoming challenges to help families have hope. The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for maintaining communication among families, the community, Child Protective Services and clinic staff. He/She will also provide information to assist and support educational and training initiatives for family members.

Responsibilities

• Advocates, represents, supports and assists youth and their families.
• Assists in creating and sustaining a family-driven approach.
• Provides families with information, advocacy skills and related activities.
• Provides psycho-education group sessions for families as needed.
• Assists families in crisis with appropriate referrals and supports.
• Links families to information and resources on behavioral health systems.
• Assists families in resolving complaints and concerns about Canopy Children's Solutions system of care.
• Identifies and develops potential leaders as well as developing own leadership abilities.
• Represent families at team meetings and related activities.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with professional partners.
• Maintains and promotes a high level of cultural competency.
• Meets on a regular basis with program staff.
• Coordinates job responsibilities with supervisor.
• Carries out all administrative duties.
• Maintains regular and predictable weekly work schedule, including some early evening hours for family group sessions.
• Attend the organization's general orientation and required employee trainings including Risking Connection, Department of Mental Health trainings, and other required or supervisor approved conference, workshops or trainings.
• Participates and assists in quality assurance studies and program improvement activities.
• Maintain a resource library for families.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Requirements

• The Certified Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Specialist is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or relative caregiver with permanent legal custody who is raising or has raised a child with an emotional, social, behavioral, and/or substance use disability; and whose child has received services from a child/youth mental health provider.
• The Specialist will provide support and guidance to parents/caregivers in navigating the child serving systems and advocating with them to help their child/youth.
• Must possess at least a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must also be able to successfully complete the Department of Mental Health Certified Peer Specialist trainings and certification exam for certification as a Peer Support Specialist (CPSS).
• You will be required to make application for certification within the first 30 days of employment.
• Must have the ability to listen to and problem solve with families individually or in a group setting.
• Must have excellent organizational skills, experience in diverse communication styles and the ability to work with teams.
• Must be dependable and must have a positive attitude.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• 403b Retirement Plan with Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• PTO/Vacation
• Employee Wellness Program and Counseling Services