Certified Peer Specialist

CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALISTJOB TITLE: Certified Peer SpecialistPOSITION GRADE: 74 Pay commensurate with education and experience $15.50-18.00/hr DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Hope PlaceSUPERVISOR: Hope Place Program ManagerFLSA: NON-EXEMPTJOB SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Hope Place Program Manager, the Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for providing quality, trauma-responsive care and programing for adults, ages 18 and older, experiencing a mental health pre-crisis or crisis, by providing the least restrictive means of crisis stabilization and treating guests to ensure their return to a higher level of functioning as quickly as possible. The program will serve those with mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders and developmental challenges; carry out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agencies and Program Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles, and Strategic Plan.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Exercises full compliance with the Agency's Code of Conduct, all Agency policies and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulationsMaintains confidentiality and security for all client and staff related materials and/or records.Follows crisis/emergency procedure to contact to Hope place Program Manager or Lead Certified Peer Specialist in the event the Certified Peer Specialist needs support Assists in the development of and closely follows program & Guests Safety Plans Provides individual and group supervision accounts for guests at all times Provides a safe environment for guests and staff utilizing the sanctuary modelReads and becomes familiar with program policy manual Keeps current with the training requirements regarding Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Functional Behavioral Approach, Safety In the Community, and Motivational Interviewing and other related trainings.Employs approved crisis intervention/prevention techniques utilizing accepted practices per Agency policy and proceduresDocuments critical incidents as required by program/agency Communicates concerns, problems, questions to Supervisor Assists with projects associated with the Hope Place Program, including internal and external committees, task forces and special initiativesExercises daily decision-making, problem-solving and ongoing task prioritizationMakes appropriate referrals and linkages to community supports.Advocacy; community outreach; education; referrals to other services (health insurance enrollment, housing, legal, care management, basic needs, etc.) or ongoing treatment; tools to support wellness and recoverybasic intake and triage; Social Determinants of Health (SDOS) assessmentDe-escalation; stabilization; (mindfulness and motivational interviewing); and, brief interventions such as art, and journaling. Documents progress notes for each visit with clients as assigned in the Electronic Client Record (eCR) within the day of serviceTrack and monitor progress and outcomesParticipates in surveys conducted by referring agenciesDemonstrates, promotes and practices cultural competency toward Guests and staff through respect and understanding achieved through training and Agency cultural activities Recognizes and embraces the diversity of teams Supports and develops the strengths of each individual team member Fields questions; addresses concern of referral sources/families with Peer Mentor assignments.Works with Program Manager to develop individualized plans to support and encourage professional growth Completes all required documentation according to appropriate time lines. Attends trainings as required and as appropriate to skills related to the positionUtilizes scheduler on eCR to maintain required expectations both fiscally and programmatically Coordinates and facilitates an initial meeting with Guests when they arrive at the programObtains and communicates personal information regarding youth and family from referral source Cooperates and collaborates with program staff, volunteers and other agency staff; both internal and external to the agencyCheck and respond to e-mail and phone calls within 24 hoursPOSITION SPECIFICS: Education: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience in lieu of education required Experience:2 years of work or volunteer experience in a setting providing Behavioral Health services preferred. Certification:Must obtain peer certification within 1 year of hire (Certified Peer Supports)Skills: Flexible and adaptive to the work environment. Ability to engage, plan, communicate, and understand mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders and developmental challengesAvailability to work afternoon, evenings 3pm -11pm, weekends 3-11pmProficient with Microsoft OfficeProficient in Electronic Client Record Systems preferred.Other:Working knowledge of the Functional Behavioral Approach, Skill Building, Sanctuary, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Child and Family Team Process preferred. Effective and open communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in partnership with others, including staff members across all departments. Strong problem solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize. Organized and self-directed; team player - able to share information and collaborate effectively across all functions, and with both internal and external partners.Physical Demands: The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing stairs. Ability to walk short distancesAbility to use stairsAbility to leave a location quicklyCOMPETENCIES: Leading SelfCharacter and Courage (Integrity and Trust)-Do the right thing, because it is the right thing, even when no one is looking. Truth to Power.Customer FocusBuild positive relationships through communication and collaborative problem solving.Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and EquityBelieve in the dignity and humanity of all people to reach their full potential.

Created: 2026-04-15