Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)

Job Overview

A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) will serve as an advocate and mentor to Transition Age Youth (ages 14-26) with serious mental illness and/or emotional disturbance.

Qualifications

• Be certified as a Peer Specialist (CPS).
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Maintain valid driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle.
• Able to work at least 20 hours/week including, at minimum, 3 evenings.
• Exhibit stability and competency in personal wellness and recovery and use of coping skills.
• Be able to reflect the culture and understand the values of the Transition Age Youth population.
• Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and computer literacy.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in weekly, individual supervision.
• Engage in local travel in your own vehicle to offsite locations as required by caseload, supervision, and/or trainings.
• Transport youth to various community locations, as needed.
• Document session activity through electronic health records, progress notes, and program-specific paperwork by typing.
• Maintain a varied work schedule, including evenings.
• Meet at least weekly with all assigned youth on an assigned caseload.
• Work both individually and in teams with colleagues.
• Effectively communicate and interact with youth, peers, and community representatives.
• Serve as a role model and coach to guide youth toward recovery through shared experiences.
• Assist youth in implementing identified coping strategies to aid with crisis support.
• Support the development of community roles and natural supports.
• Aid in accessing and participating in community events and activities.
• Cultivate youth’s ability to make informed, independent choices.
• Plan and facilitate practical activities leading to increased self-worth and independence.
• Model and promote skills needed for community integration and independent living.
• Assist youth to develop and maintain positive personal and social support networks.
• Support youth in becoming active community members.
• Use and implement the 5 core values of Trauma-Informed Care in all work practices - Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice, Collaboration, & Empowerment.

Benefits and Compensation

• Part Time positions available with the potential to transition to Full Time
• Starting rate of $17/hour
• Annual rate increases
• 9 Paid Holidays paid at 4 hours each, if maintaining 20 hours per week
• Paid Time Off accrual, if maintaining 20 hours per week
• 401K plan with company match and profit sharing
• Mileage and Expense reimbursement for travel and training
• C clearance Reimbursement

Benefits

Equal opportunity and drug-free employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.