CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST JOB TITLE: Certified Peer Specialist POSITION GRADE: 74 Pay commensurate with education and experience $15.50-18.00/hr DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Hope Place SUPERVISOR: Hope Place Program Manager FLSA: NON-EXEMPT JOB 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 regulations + Maintains 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 model + Reads 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 procedures + Documents 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 initiatives + Exercises daily decision-making, problem-solving and ongoing task prioritization + Makes 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 recovery + basic intake and triage; Social Determinants of Health (SDOS) assessment + De-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 service + Track and monitor progress and outcomes + Participates in surveys conducted by referring agencies + Demonstrates, 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 position + Utilizes scheduler on eCR to maintain required expectations both fiscally and programmatically + Coordinates and facilitates an initial meeting with Guests when they arrive at the program + Obtains 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 agency + Check and respond to e-mail and phone calls within 24 hours POSITION 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 challenges + Availability to work afternoon, evenings 3pm -11pm, weekends 3-11pm + Proficient with Microsoft Office + Proficient 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 distances + Ability to use stairs + Ability to leave a location quickly COMPETENCIES: Leading Self + Character 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 Focus + Build positive relationships through communication and collaborative problem solving. + Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity + Believe in the dignity and humanity of all people to reach their full potential.