Certified Crisis Peer Specialist (CPS)

The Crisis Certified Peer Specialist (CCPS) provides peer support to individuals with a variety of behavioral health and / or substance use conditions. For this reason, the CCPS will self-identify as a present or former client of mental health or substance use services.With an emphasis on self-directed recovery and using the harm reduction model, the CCPS will act as liaison between the client and the referral source. Although, this is a hybrid position, the CPS will work predominately in the community (i.e. public settings, clients home, etc.).The work schedule will be either Tuesday - Saturday (with Sunday and Monday off) or Sunday - Thursday (with Friday and Saturday off). This is a full time, non-exempt position with an hourly wage of between $19.47 and $20.77 DOE.Responsibilities :

• Assist clients to articulate personal recovery goals, determine steps to achieve goals, and create an individual wellness and recovery plan.
• Support client's pursuit of employment and help them overcome job-related anxiety by guiding job searches, reviewing applications, and providing interview tips.
• Via ongoing individual and group sessions, utilize personal recovery experience to teach clients problem solving and effective coping techniques, self-help strategies, how to identify and combat negative self-talk, and how to identify and overcome fears.
• Aide clients in obtaining decent, affordable housing of their choice in the most integrated, independent, and least intrusive / restrictive environment, including taking the client to view housing.
• Provide and advocate for effective recovery-based services that will aid the client in daily living.
• Assist client in obtaining services that suit their individual recovery needs by providing names of staff, community resources and groups that may be useful.
• Model self-advocacy to assist clients in developing empowerment skills and methods to combat stigma.
• With assistance from the Clinical Care Coordinator Lead, work with the clients and other treatment team staff to develop a treatment / recovery plan based on each client's identified goals.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of all interactions with client, and well as client's progress on their treatment / recovery plan.
• Driving and / or transporting clients to medical appointments, job sites, social activities, and other community resources may be required.Qualifications :
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certified Peer Specialist preferred.
• Ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes and personal knowledge of recovery process.
• Skilled in teaching basic problem-solving strategies to support individual clients in self-directed recovery.
• Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the ability to assist the client to address symptoms using various strategies.
• Sufficient understanding of how to find, access, and use the community resources necessary for independent living and recovery.
• One year of clinical experience preferred, but not required.
• First Aid / CPR certification
• A valid MO class E or state equivalent driver's license is required. Motor Vehicle Record check will be conducted prior to start date.
• Willingness to meet any / all regulatory requirements of our partners, including vaccinations and background checks.
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training required and can be completed upon hire.Work Environment :
• Requires riding in / driving a car for extended periods of time.
• Hybrid position with significant time spent in the field throughout the St. Louis area, at a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and / or community centers.This role will include a $500 sign on bonus!
• 250 after your first 90 days of employment!
• 250 after your first 6 months of employment!

Salary : $19 - $21