URGENT CARE PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

NORTHEAST KINGDOM HUMAN SERVICES INC • Newport City, VT

1d • $21 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist for Urgent Care Services is an essential member of a multidisciplinary team that responds to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or co-occurring crises. The Peer Support Specialist provides initial peer counseling and works collaboratively with a mental health and substance use care professional to provide crisis intervention, assessment, and follow-up services to individuals of all ages.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working in a mental health, substance use, or crisis intervention setting is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to provide empathetic and nonjudgmental support to individuals in crisis.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and the ability to apply them in crisis interventions.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to document interventions accurately.
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals.
• Proficiency in adhering to crisis response protocols and working under pressure to meet response time targets.
• Commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the mental health and substance use care professional to form a cohesive multidisciplinary team that responds to crisis situations in a timely manner.
• Conduct crisis screening and assessment under the supervision of the mental health and substance use care professional, ensuring the individual's safety and determining appropriate disposition.
• Work closely with individuals and families to address the identified crisis issues and provide emotional support, empathy, and active listening.
• Connect individuals to appropriate level of care such as outpatient and community based services, emergency department and inpatient services, when needed, through warm hand-offs and transportation coordination.
• Provide follow-up services, either in-person, via telehealth, or telephonically, to individuals who are not admitted to a 24-hour treatment setting, ensuring linkage to needed supports and aftercare services.
• Document crisis interventions accurately and thoroughly using the designated crisis assessment form, including assessment findings, observed mental status, and risk evaluation.
• Collaborate with 911 and 988 for direct telephone transfers and ensure seamless communication with emergency services.
• Adhere to Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards and ensure inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility for both staff and clients.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance crisis intervention skills and knowledge.

Benefits

• Tuition & continuing education reimbursements and loan repayment program.
• Health and dental insurance.
• 403b retirement plan with Agency contribution and match.
• Generous paid time off, 12 sick days and 12 paid holidays.
• Outstanding employee wellness program
• Exceptional benefits package including low-cost medical and dental, short-/long-term disability coverages, life insurance, employee assistance program, and additional optional benefits.

What This Job Offers

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