Crisis Outreach Peer Support Specialist

We are seeking a Peer Support Specialist for our new 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach Team in Essex County. This program responds to adults (18+) in non-life-threatening mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises who contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Team (MCORT) operates 24/7, 365 days a year, in coordination with 988 crisis centers. Teams consist of two field responders supervised remotely by a third professional.

About the role

Shift available: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 AM - 6 PM.

Requirements

• Two years of continuous recovery experience based on personal experience with a mental illness or substance use disorder (AMI or SUD).
• At least one year of field experience working with community individuals.
• Certification by one of the following:
  • 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.
• Ability to provide effective crisis response, de-escalation, and intervention in community settings.
• Valid NJ driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with community providers and the 988 managing entity.
• Knowledge of Essex County resources (helpful).

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based crisis services to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorder crises, as identified by the 988-managing entity.
• Use Motivational Interviewing to engage individuals in crisis and provide non-clinical support beyond immediate resolution.
• Support individuals in de-escalating crises and, when necessary, provide transportation to crisis stabilization centers, certified community behavioral health clinics, or hospital emergency departments.
• Conduct follow-ups with community members to connect them with social services, enhancing prevention and early intervention access.
• Engage in direct follow-up with clients and collateral contacts to facilitate access to appropriate services based on immediate needs.
• Provide weekend/holiday coverage on a rotating basis for 24/7 service access.
• Collaborate with family members, friends, or loved ones to support individuals in crisis as needed.
• Maintain accurate record-keeping, reports, and documentation in accordance with program requirements.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings, including supervision, agency meetings, and assigned trainings (e.g., de-escalation, mental health crisis, substance use crisis, and suicide training).
• Complete record-keeping as required by funding sources and accreditation agencies using electronic clinical record software.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical coverage for eligible staff.
• Generous 401(k) match.
• Plentiful paid holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time.

Pay

Annual base rate: $55K.