Peer Support Specialist - Assertive Community Treatment Program

Pay is commensurate with experience within a range of $18.75 per hour. This position is full-time, non-exempt and eligible for our benefits. Bert Nash offers excellent benefits which include medical, dental, vision, KPERS retirement, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing free counseling and resources, and generous PTO.

Caring. Hope. Giving back. Our mission at the Bert Nash Center as the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) of Douglas County is to advance the health of the community through comprehensive behavioral health services responsive to evolving needs and changing environments. We accomplish this by believing in our team. Each person that works for the Bert Nash Center contributes directly to the success of our clients, organization, and community. Our values of compassion, integrity, equity and hope reflect in everything we do.

If you have a lived experience in mental health and/or substance abuse and are successfully managing your recovery, consider being a part of our amazing peer support team! The Bert Nash Center is looking for individuals to inspire and support our clients through various stages of recovery. The Peer Support Specialist serves as a role model for clients and helps develop and maintain coping skills to succeed in recovery and improve mental wellness. This is a unique and rewarding position that combines coaching, support, and sharing of past experiences. Must have a minimum of one year in the active stage of recovery. A cover letter explaining your peer experience and other qualifications for this position is strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of the Assertive Community Treatment Peer Support Specialist will be to provide assistance and support to ACT team clients.

Specific duties include but not limited to:

• Serve as an integrated component of the transdisciplinary Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team/program;
• Develop a working comprehension of the TMACT evidence-based model, including working knowledge of the various staff roles that comprise the team and ACT model, and work with team/program staff to increasingly improve TMACT services;
• Help clients develop a network for information and support from others who have been through similar experiences.
• Work with individuals, groups, and/or care givers to identify what works in the client's recovery;
• Model successful behaviors and strategies and share personal experiences of recovery;
• Provide information regarding educational and vocational opportunities within the community;
• Help clients regain the ability to make independent choices and take a proactive role in treatment;
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job;

Qualifications (including but not limited to):

• Required lived experience with a minimum of one year in the active stage of recovery (i.e. do not require services more intense than medication services, individual therapy or group therapy), or lived experience with a child experiencing a severe emotional disturbance;
• High School diploma or GED. College education in social work or related field preferred, but not mandatory;
• Ability to pass required security background checks;
• Reliable transportation and a valid, unrestricted driver's license;
• Understanding of confidentiality and the unique issues that this entails in peer to peer relationship
• Complete certification to provide peer support within 6 months of hire date; or parent support training within the first 30 days from date of hire;
• Energetic and positive approach to the rapidly evolving changes and challenges of a complex work place.