SMI Peer Support Specialist EMPACT

La Frontera Center•San Tan Valley, AZ

About The Position

EMPACT- Suicide Prevention Center, part of the La Frontera family, is a nonprofit organization providing behavioral health counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services. The SMI Peer Support Specialist models skills for navigating the behavioral health system and community programs, serving as a system guide and advocate. The role provides direct support to individuals served and participates as an active member of the Adult Recovery Team. The position delivers 40 hours of work per week, with a goal of 30 hours of direct client contact, including case management as needed. Evening and weekend hours may be required to accommodate the schedules of individuals served. The work takes place indoors in an office, in the community, and in members’ homes, and involves driving a company van and/or personal vehicle.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Peer Support Certification and eligibility to obtain a Peer Support Specialist Certificate.
Must be a recipient of, or have received, services through the community behavioral health system.
Ability and willingness to share personal experience receiving behavioral health services.
Strong attention to detail and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proactive and independent, with the ability to take initiative.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Valid Arizona driver's license, with no major infractions in the past three years; a three-year state driving record with no major infractions or excessive driving violations or tickets is required at hire.
Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of employment.
Must have a Fingerprint clearance card or be eligible to obtain one.
When driving on agency time or business, must have appropriate liability insurance and approval for liability coverage with EMPACT-SPC’s liability insurance carrier.
Must maintain liability insurance for a personal vehicle.
Ability to remain calm in crisis situations, work independently and cooperatively, recognize personal limitations, and relate positively and empathetically to people regardless of age, race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation.
Must maintain professional conduct consistent with ethical professional practice and agency policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Assist individuals served in developing and implementing self-directed recovery plans by sharing personal experience, providing support, teaching self-management techniques, and offering reassurance.
Follow up on and assist with needs identified in recovery plans.
Locate and orient individuals served to informal community supports and help connect them.
Assist with applications for community resources.
Work with team members and agency staff to identify and remove barriers within the behavioral health system.
Provide strengths-based, community-based, and culturally competent services.
Meet a 40-hour weekly work schedule, with a goal of 30 hours of direct client contact, including case management as needed.
Attend meetings, trainings, and regular weekly supervision; seek additional supervision as needed.
Develop and collaborate with a network of community-based and RHBA resources.
Help individuals access social and behavioral health community services, which may include food, clothing, support services, and crisis stabilization or transition services.
Make appointments, assist with scheduling, or arrange SMI evaluations when applicable.
Maintain professional conduct and positive working relationships with internal and external team members, stakeholders, and community and business partners.