Crisis Outreach Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

The Mental Health Association is seeking Peer Support Specialist for our new program, 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, operating out of Essex County.

The 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach Response program will respond to adults (18 and above) in nonlife-threatening situations who have contacted the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Mobile Crisis Outreach Response program (MCORT) responds 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, to nonlife-threatening mental health, substance use or suicidal crises in the community. MCORT will work in coordination with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline crisis centers. (The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.) MCORT is to be comprised of a two-person team in the field under remote supervision by a third professional from a centralized location. Shift times available: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 6 PM.

Qualified applicants for the position of Peer Support Specialist will have, at minimum:

• Two years' of continuous recovery experience based on personal experience with a mental illness or substance use disorder (AMI or SUD), and at least one year of field experience working with community individuals required.
• Must be certified by at least one of the following credentialing entities: Addiction Professional Certification Board as a Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS); Mental Health Association in New Jersey as a Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP); NSSDAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals as a National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS); Certified Wellness Coach; Community Mental Health Associate Certificate.
• The ability to provide effective crisis response and de-escalation and intervention as related to community mental health in the community.
• A valid NJ driver's license and a good driving record.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with community providers and 988 managing entity.
• Knowledge of Essex County resources helpful.

Under the direction of the Crisis Outreach Supervisor, the Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for:

• Providing evidenced based crisis services, when identified by the 988-managing entity, to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis in the community.
• Utilization of Motivational Interviewing to engage individuals experiencing crisis and provide non-clinical support beyond the resolution of the immediate crisis.
• Supporting individuals to de-escalate crisis, and when deemed necessary, safe, and appropriate, provide transportation to crisis stabilization and receiving centers, certified community behavioral health clinics, or hospital's emergency departments for appropriate care and treatment.
• Providing follow up to community members in need of connections to social services that can enhance prevention of non-emergency calls and increase early intervention treatment access.
• Direct follow up with identified clients and collateral contacts as needed in order to facilitate access to appropriate services based on immediate client needs.
• Providing weekend/holiday coverage on a rotating basis for 24 hour/7 day access to services.
• Collaboration with family members, friends or loved ones to assist and support individuals in crisis on an as-needed basis.
• Record keeping, reports, and documentation in accordance with program requirements.

Meeting Attendance Attending regularly scheduled meetings: supervision, agency meetings, and training(s) as assigned including additional training in de-escalation, mental health crisis, substance use crisis, and suicide training as identified. Record Keeping & Reporting Record keeping as required by funding sources through the electronic clinical record software, and/or accreditation agencies as required. Other duties as assigned by Program Director. Annual Base Rate: $55K.

Reports to: Master's Level Supervisor – 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Team.

Fully paid medical coverage for eligible staff. Generous 401(k) match. Plentiful Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal and Sick time.

MHAEM is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is MHAEM's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.