Peer Support Specialist | Mobile Crisis at Benchmark Human Services

Description
Since 1960, Benchmark has been empowering marginalized populations to see their potential. We are committed to realizing the full potential of EVERYONE – those we serve, our partners and vendors, and our employees, who bring our mission to life each day. We actively strive to be a workplace that honors the unique experiences of our employees. Benchmark believes we are stronger, better, more effective in our pursuits when we are diverse; when we are equitable; and when we create space for everyone to be their authentic selves.

Benchmark has grown to become one of the most respected organizations in the country in the areas of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health. We work with people at home, at work, and in the community, through residential, employment, crisis response, behavioral, recovery, children’s services, and day services. Our brand-new Idaho Mobile Crisis program is looking for Peer Support Specialists to provide crisis support services to individuals who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis or are in a situation likely to escalate into a behavioral health crisis if supportive services are not provided.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay rates
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401k Plan with company match
• Profit sharing
• Company paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off/Sick time
• Perks Access discount program
• Voluntary benefits including disability and short term disability

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Peer Specialists will generally take the lead on engagement and may also conduct non-clinical assistance by providing support beyond the resolution of the immediate crisis. Must be willing to flex schedule according to the needs of the individual and mobile crisis team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Comply with all standards to ensure the health, safety and respect of individuals we serve
• Act as a member of the MRT as scheduled and needed
• Provide crisis follow-up services within 72 hours of crisis disposition
• Complete face-to-face or telephonic follow-up with individuals, as assigned, after crisis response
• Ensure individuals are linked with appropriate follow-up psychiatric, substance use, social, medical services and/or community resources before discharge
• Complete documentation as required by Benchmark Human Services or state and federal regulations
• Assist in the completion of safety plans, as directed by the clinician.
• Attend advocacy and community meetings in the region to provide education regarding mobile crisis services
• Assist the individual in identifying resources for recovery
• Attend all scheduled training and staff meetings
• Assist with crisis response as required, including face-to-face response within an average of 60 minutes
• Report any suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to supervisor or department head
• Communicate needs of the individual, regarding social determinants of health to supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Required Knowledge:

• Knowledge of standards and organization policies and procedures
• Knowledge of health care privacy and confidentiality rules
• Knowledge of standard health care business practices

Required Skills:

• Must possess & demonstrate critical thinking skills
• Skillful in use of computers & general office equipment
• Skillful in interpersonal communication needed to advocate for individuals, communicate with family members, healthcare professionals, support coordinators and others.

Required Ability:

• Provider manual crisis operations standards
• Ability to facilitate a positive atmosphere promoting holistic health, wellness and team cooperation
• Ability to de-escalate individuals experiencing acute crisis and/or interpersonal conflict.
• Ability to implement physical crisis intervention procedures when needed.
• Expectations Regarding Quality and Quantity of Work:
• Complete all notes/documentation for each Individual accurately and in a timely manner before the end of the work shift.
• Utilize good judgment in providing treatment for individuals

QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Have lived experience with a minimum of 2 years of continuous recovery from a Serious Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder diagnosis
• At least one year of experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or substance-related disorders who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Valid CPR and First Aid Certifications
• Must be computer literate
• Certified as a Peer Specialist by at least one of the following credentialing entities:
  a. Addiction Professional Certification Board as a Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP) or a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS);
  b. Mental Health Association in Idaho as a Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP)
  c. NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals as a National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS);
  d. Certified Wellness Coach
  e. Community Mental Health Associate certificate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences from an accredited college or university
• Knowledge of community services and resources relevant to social determinants of health

Interested applicants can apply online at benchmarkhs.com.
EEO and Affirmative Action Employer, Veterans, Women and Individuals with Disabilities are Encouraged to Apply

INDDSP