The Certified Peer Specialist provides immediate emotional support and practical guidance to individuals in crisis using their own lived experience. They conduct in-community follow-ups and coordinate with crisis teams to address social determinants of care through referrals.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED and a maintained Certified Peer Specialist Certification. A valid driver's license is required as the role involves traveling 60% of the time.
Salary/yearSummary: The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) has a profound impact on crisis care. The CPS bridges the gap between individuals in crisis and the crisis team drawing on your lived experience. The CPS is an integral part of the crisis team that provides immediate, high-quality compassionate care and support to individuals and their supports in need through a team approach. The CPS offers practical guidance, emotional support, and encouragement to individuals experiencing active crisis. The CPS provides in-community follow-ups addressing the social determinants of care through linkage and referrals. Essential
Duties and Responsibilities
Responds to adults in crisis as part of a two-person response team in the home or community Utilizes recovery coaching, peer support, and/or mentoring to assist individuals in providing trauma-informed emotional support for individuals and their other supports to reduce isolation, feelings of stigma, blame, and hopelessness Provides in-community follow-ups within 24-72 hours/as needed. Report on the individual's progress and response to crisis support and communicate with the crisis team Assists individuals/families to learn and implement strategies recommended by the crisis team Serves as an advocate, mentor, or facilitator to support the resolution of barriers. Accompanies individual appointments for mentoring and support when needed. Maintains effective professional relationships with other service providers and community organizations in the interest of clients and program goals. Carries out agency policies and procedures. Completes all necessary written reports, crisis summaries, statistics, case files, and in a timely manner and by program and agency standards. Performs other duties, responsibilities, and related tasks as assigned. Ability to integrate data from information gathered during crisis calls to formulate an accurate assessment
Ability to work collaboratively with callers to create a plan of action
Ability to multitask efficiently and remain calm under pressure
Ability to express genuine empathy, care, and concern for each caller
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to work hours that need coverage
Ability to work well as a member of a team, effectively communicating with other crisis workers and staff
Exercises cultural competence and understands and is sensitive to personal values and beliefs expressed through gender, culture, age, ethnicity, spirituality, and sexual diversity
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Proficient in typing and navigating an online database
Completion of required Agency training hours
Ability to maintain a positive disposition, remain enthusiastic, dependable, reliable, and professional
Attends and participates in team meetings and case conferences providing feedback to the team about people in recovery (PIR), their perspective; utilizes input from meetings to work effectively with individuals. QualificationsQualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. High school diploma or GED, and Certified Peer Specialist Certification required which must be maintained. Demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing. Ability to establish positive relationships with peers enrolled in service. Must be able to travel 60% of the time. Required valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
