Peer Support Specialist

Brightli•Sedalia, MO

About The Position

The Peer Specialist has the responsibility of emphasizing the acquisition, development, and expansion of recovery skills to enable individuals to fully engage in their recovery journey. The interventions they provide are based on the therapeutic relationship they build with the individual and their family. As part of the team, the Peer Specialist helps clients develop essential skills, access recovery tools and community support, and motivates them to achieve and maintain recovery.

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 mental health and/or substance use disorder.
Evidence of a sponsor and participation in a 12-step program may be required.
Requires one year of direct and personal experience with the mental health system as a primary consumer of services.
Able to complete a state-approved Certified Peer Support training program and other required trainings within six months of employment.
Exceptions to qualifications may be made by appropriate Leadership.
High school education or equivalent.
Two (2) years of responsible employment history.
If required, complete a 5-Day Basic Training Program; must pass a State of Missouri approved certification examination within six months.
Hold a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Documentation of completion of BHS approved Level two in-person KCPS training with a score of 80% or greater.
Be gainfully employed as a Kansas Certified Peer Specialist in Training or Kansas Certified Peer Specialist with prior certification.
Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint check.
Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment.
All training requirements, including Relias, at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Minimum one (1) year of recovery.
Within the first year of employment, receive training on: Signs and symptoms of disability related illnesses Working with families and caretakers of clients receiving services Rights, roles, and responsibilities of clients and families Client self-help skills Individual treatment plans Basic principles of assessment Special needs and characteristics Philosophy of community support approach Suicide awareness/precaution Quality assurance Infection control Philosophy, values, and objectives of CPRC Behavioral management/crisis intervention Issues/involuntary hold

Nice To Haves

Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) is preferred, but not required.
Must meet the standards of CPRS (Certified Peer Recovery Specialist) or CRSS.
2,000 hours supervised work experience, which can include any combination of paid or volunteer work.
100 hours of supervision in the CRSS performance domains.
100 hours of training and education related to CRSS domains, professional ethics and responsibility, and other core functions.
Successful completion of a written exam for CRSS.
Knowledge of training techniques and practices used in a substance use disorder/mental health treatment setting is desired.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs.
Maintain regular communication with referral sources and guardians to discuss progress, transition planning, and relevant clinical matters.
Participate in meetings to ensure continuity of care for individuals.
Assist in researching and referring individuals to outside resources when necessary.
Schedule treatment appointments and provide transportation to and from Recovery Support Services and community-based services.
Accompany clients to appointments when permitted, representing the agency professionally.
Support clients in accessing medical services and document all services in accordance with state and CARF standards.
Offer crisis intervention and facilitate group education sessions as scheduled.
Pursue professional development through training to meet required hours every two years.
Utilize peer support to foster recovery and resilience in individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.
Help individuals build connections with others, their overall community, and Recovery Supports within their community (transportation of clients may be required).
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 their treatment.
Help individuals identify their strengths and resources for recovery.
Assist individuals in setting and achieving 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 live a healthy, productive, and sober lifestyle during and after their time in the facility.
Aid participants in creating personal treatment plans to actively engage in their own recovery.
Adhere to ethical and confidentiality standards of the facility.
Show interest in the long-term and short-term goals of the company.

Benefits

29 Days of PTO
Competitive Pay
Eligibility for HRSA Loan Repayment eligibility requirements
Employee benefits package - health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
Competitive 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan – up to 5% match for Part-Time and Full-Time employees
Company-paid basic life insurance
Emergency Medical Leave Program
Flexible Spending Accounts – healthcare and dependent child-care
Health & Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Discount Program
Mileage Reimbursement
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
Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness.