Peer Support Specialist | Mobile Crisis

Benchmark Human Services-ID•Boise, ID

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Benchmark Human Services is hiring a Peer Support Specialist for its Idaho Mobile Response Team (MRT), which provides 24/7 crisis response to youth and adults experiencing mental health, behavioral health, or suicidal crises in regions 1 and 2. The team responds in the community with a peer support specialist paired with an affiliate clinical staff member. The specialist engages individuals and families, provides de-escalation and support during crises, and connects people to community-based services and other resources. This is not a remote position. The schedule listed is midnight Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday, midnight Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday, and midnight Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday; the position is PRN, as needed. Peer Specialists generally lead engagement and may provide non-clinical support beyond the immediate crisis. They must be willing to flex their schedule to meet the needs of individuals and the mobile crisis team. Starting pay is $21.77 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Lived experience with at least two years of continuous recovery from a serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder diagnosis.
At least one year of experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or substance-related disorders who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
Valid CPR and First Aid certifications.
Computer literacy.
Peer Specialist certification from at least one listed credentialing entity: Addiction Professional Certification Board (CRSP or CPRS); Mental Health Association in Idaho (CRSP); NAADAC (NCPRSS); Certified Wellness Coach; or Community Mental Health Associate certificate.
Knowledge of standards, organizational policies and procedures, health care privacy and confidentiality rules, and standard health care business practices.
Critical thinking skills; proficiency with computers and general office equipment; and interpersonal communication skills to advocate for individuals and communicate with families, health care professionals, support coordinators, and others.
Ability to follow provider manual crisis operations standards, promote holistic health, wellness, and team cooperation, de-escalate acute crises or interpersonal conflict, and implement physical crisis intervention procedures when needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences from an accredited college or university.
Knowledge of community services and resources relevant to social determinants of health.

Responsibilities

Comply with standards and policies that protect the health, safety, and dignity of individuals served.
Serve as a member of the Mobile Response Team as scheduled and needed.
Provide crisis follow-up services within 72 hours of crisis disposition, including face-to-face or telephone follow-up as assigned.
Help ensure individuals are connected with appropriate psychiatric, substance use, social, and medical services or community resources before discharge.
Complete required documentation accurately and on time, before the end of the work shift.
Assist the clinician with safety plans as directed.
Attend regional advocacy and community meetings to educate others about mobile crisis services.
Help individuals identify recovery resources.
Attend scheduled training and staff meetings.
Participate in crisis response as required, including face-to-face response within an average of 60 minutes.
Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to a supervisor or department head.
Communicate individuals’ needs related to social determinants of health to a supervisor.
Use sound judgment when providing support and treatment.
Perform other duties as assigned.