Per Diem Crisis Outreach Peer Support Specialist

About the role

The Mental Health Association is seeking a Per Diem Peer Support Specialist for their new program, 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, operating out of Essex County. This position responds to adults (18 and above) in non-life-threatening situations who have contacted the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Responsibilities

- Provide 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. - Utilize Motivational Interviewing to engage individuals experiencing crisis and provide non-clinical support beyond the resolution of the immediate crisis. - Support individuals to de-escalate crisis, and when deemed necessary, safely and appropriately, provide transportation to crisis stabilization and receiving centers, certified community behavioral health clinics, or hospital's emergency departments for appropriate care and treatment. - Follow up with community members in need of connections to social services that can enhance prevention of non-emergency calls and increase early intervention treatment access. - Provide weekend/holiday coverage on a rotating basis for 24-hour/7-day access to services. - Collaborate with family members, friends, or loved ones to assist and support individuals in crisis on an as-needed basis. - Maintain accurate record keeping, reports, and documentation in accordance with program requirements. - Attend 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.

Requirements

- At least 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.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field preferred. - Experience in peer support roles, crisis intervention, and motivational interviewing. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. - Ability to work independently and as part of a team. - Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Skills

- Strong verbal and written communication skills. - Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. - Proficient in using electronic clinical record software. - Familiarity with crisis intervention techniques and de-escalation strategies.

Benefits

- Fully paid medical coverage for eligible staff. - Generous 401(k) match. - Plentiful paid holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time. - MHAEM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.