Intentional Peer Support Specialist - Crisis

Summary

The Intentional Peer Support Specialist - Crisis provides peer support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in community-based settings. They offer compassionate emotional support, practical assistance, crisis de-escalation, and advocacy. This role involves working collaboratively with clinical staff, providing linkage to community resources, and participating in dual-response Mobile Crisis teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide peer-based crisis support and de-escalation to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in community settings.
• Use lived experience to model recovery, resilience, and self-advocacy.
• Support individuals in identifying strengths, coping strategies, and immediate needs during crisis encounters.
• Aid individuals with linkage to community resources, natural supports, and follow-up services.
• Collaborate with clinicians, crisis responders, hospitals, law enforcement, and community partners as appropriate.
• Participate in dual-response Mobile Crisis teams.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with agency, CIPSS, and regulatory standards.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines, confidentiality requirements, and professional boundaries.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and required trainings.
• Travel within the service area and transport self and, when appropriate, participants in accordance with agency policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Mobile Crisis operations.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Be committed to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Works collaboratively as a member of a team with various groups of staff, depending on the issue addressed.
• Assures quality in work performed.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing and in group or public settings.
• Reports sensitive employee matters to the Director in accordance with Sweetser policies and procedures.
• Provides timely and accurate paperwork, including timesheets, expense reports, and documentation.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

• Active CIPSS certification in good standing.
• Completed CIPSS certificate required to be eligible for the role.
• Lived/living experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery consistent with CIPSS guidelines.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a CIPSS-certified peer support role (or equivalent experience, if applicable).
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

EXPERIENCE

• Paid or unpaid, peer support experience preferred.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrates knowledge of personal Recovery.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all applications contained in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrate proficiency in cloud-based video conferencing applications.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and accept differences in perspective and values.