Peer Specialist

Summary: The Crisis Certified Peer Specialist (CCPS) provides peer support to individuals with a variety of behavioral health and/or substance use conditions. For this reason, the CCPS will self-identify as a present or former client of mental health or substance use services. With an emphasis on self-directed recovery and using the harm reduction model, the CCPS will act as liaison between the client and the referral source.

Although, this is a hybrid position, the CPS will work predominately in the community (i.e. public settings, clients home, etc.) Work Schedule: Either Tuesday

• Saturday (with Sunday and Monday off) or Sunday
• Thursday (with Friday and Saturday off).

Responsibilities

Assist clients to articulate personal recovery goals, determine steps to achieve goals, and create an individual wellness and recovery plan. Support client's pursuit of employment and help them overcome job-related anxiety by guiding job searches, reviewing applications, and providing interview tips. Via ongoing individual and group sessions, utilize personal recovery experience to teach clients problem solving and effective coping techniques, self-help strategies, how to identify and combat negative self-talk, and how to identify and overcome fears.

Aide clients in obtaining decent, affordable housing of their choice in the most integrated, independent, and least intrusive/restrictive environment, including taking the client to view housing. Provide and advocate for effective recovery-based services that will aid the client in daily living. Assist client in obtaining services that suit their individual recovery needs by providing names of staff, community resources and groups that may be useful.

Model self-advocacy to assist clients in developing empowerment skills and methods to combat stigma. With assistance from the Clinical Care Coordinator Lead, work with the clients and other treatment team staff to develop a treatment/recovery plan based on each client’s identified goals. Complete accurate and timely documentation of all interactions with client, and well as client's progress on their treatment/recovery plan.

Driving and/or transporting clients to medical appointments, job sites, social activities, and other community resources may be required.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required. Certified Peer Specialist preferred. Ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes and personal knowledge of recovery process. Skilled in teaching basic problem-solving strategies to support individual clients in self-directed recovery.

Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the ability to assist the client to address symptoms using various strategies. Sufficient understanding of how to find, access, and use the community resources necessary for independent living and recovery. One year of clinical experience preferred, but not required.

First Aid/CPR certification A valid MO class E or state equivalent driver's license is required. Motor Vehicle Record check will be conducted prior to start date. Willingness to meet any/all regulatory requirements of our partners, including vaccinations and background checks. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training required and can be completed upon hire.

Work Environment: Requires riding in / driving a car for extended periods of time. Hybrid position with significant time spent in the field throughout the St. Louis area, at a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and/or community centers. At BHR, we believe that every team member has an integral role in the lifesaving treatment we provide.

We are a trauma informed agency, and we hire people who are passionate about our mission and are committed to improving the lives of those we serve through our trauma informed models of practice. Behavioral Health Response is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, national origin, or any other legally protected status.