Peer Support Specialist, Community Support Program (CSP), Adult Dept - Get a FREE Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling!

Center For Life Management - Derry, NH

Full-time - Entry Level

Derry, NH

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Center for Life Management (CLM) is dedicated to providing comprehensive outpatient mental health services for adults and elders, focusing on those who experience severe and persistent mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. The CSP Peer Support Specialist will be an integral part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team, offering support and guidance to individuals facing mental health and emotional challenges. This full-time position, requiring 35 hours per week, emphasizes the importance of lived experience in building strong connections with clients and inspiring them on their recovery journey. In this role, the Peer Support Specialist will provide valuable perspective and understanding of clients' experiences, including the symptoms of mental illness, the effects and side effects of medications, and the stigma associated with mental health issues. The specialist will engage in peer counseling to promote hope, responsibility, and active participation in treatment and recovery processes. Utilizing a Trauma-Informed Care framework, the specialist will assess clients for past trauma and implement effective support strategies accordingly. The Peer Support Specialist will serve as a role model, instilling hope and trust in clients while actively listening to their needs and collaborating on care plans. They will link clients to appropriate community mental health resources and maintain contact post-crisis to ensure ongoing support. The position requires adherence to SAMHSA Core Competencies of Peer Support and collaboration with other treatment team members to provide comprehensive care. Additionally, the specialist will represent CLM professionally and maintain all necessary documentation and professional memberships.

Responsibilities

• Provide perspective and understanding of client's experiences including symptoms of mental illness, effects and side-effects of medications, responses to treatment, and experiences of recovery.
• Provide peer counseling to promote hope, responsibility, effective decision making, and active participation in treatment and recovery processes.
• Utilize a framework of Trauma-Informed Care to assess clients for past trauma and implement effective support strategies.
• Be a role model and inspire recovery by instilling hope, building trust, and demonstrating empathy.
• Link clients with appropriate community mental health resources based on their presenting problems and motivation levels.
• Maintain contact with clients post-crisis to ensure connection with referral sources and provide additional support.
• Provide direct hours of billable service each week to meet key performance indicator expectations.
• Follow all SAMHSA Core Competencies of Peer Support in service delivery.
• Collaborate with treatment team members, natural supports, and external providers to ensure comprehensive care.
• Serve on appropriate committees as determined by supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect the rights of all patients.
• Execute required services and documentation in accordance with agency policies and standards.
• Maintain professional memberships, licenses, and certifications.
• Represent CLM in a professional manner in all settings.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in a human services or related field preferred, or a high school diploma with at least two years of relevant experience.
• Self-knowledge to manage one's own mental illness and be at least one year in recovery, with abstinence from substance use for one year or more.
• Strong commitment to the rights of individuals with severe mental illness to live in the community and access adequate support services.
• Must have or be working towards certification as a Peer Support Specialist.
• Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment in various clinical situations.
• Proficient computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to document effectively and navigate an electronic health record.
• Ability to work as part of a clinical team while being self-directed and motivated.
• Ability to acquire and practice new clinical skills as needed.
• Effective communication, organizational skills, and ability to multi-task.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in community mental health settings.
• Knowledge of local mental health resources and support services.
• Previous experience in peer support roles.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid earned time (3 weeks in year one, caps at 6 weeks)
• Paid holidays (8) with bonus birthday holiday
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 3% company contribution after 1 year
• Life Insurance paid by company
• Short and Long Term Disability paid by company
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance paid by company
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company issued cell phone and laptop as needed
• Scholarship for professional advancement
• Mileage reimbursement for applicable positions
• On the job training and continuing education opportunities
• Supportive work environment with career growth opportunities
• Meaningful relationships with co-workers and clients
• Flexible work schedule
• Teamwork and collaboration opportunities