Community Peer Specialist

The Community Peer Specialist provides supportive peer counseling and advocacy services to persons who have been deemed frequent users of emergency psychiatric screening services from Screening Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP). The Community Support Peer Specialist will provide peer based and focused case management to specific identified consumers who have documented history of presenting to be screened either in hospital emergency rooms or during community outreach to residence.  Will also provide short term follow-up to specific identified consumers collaborating together to provide linkage to various community-based resources and supports that will aid in a consumer’s personal wellness and recovery.  Demonstrates knowledge of mental health challenges and substance use concerns from a personal lived experience perspective and the services available in the community. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the needs of consumers served. He or she must be able to assess and interpret data about the consumers served. Required to report to work in inclement weather.

The Community Peer Specialist will:

• Engage and collaborate with consumers who are determined to be frequent utilizers of screening services and provide support to encourage personal self-advocacy to make sure their perspective and input is heard and valued.
• Identify and connect consumers and when applicable their families/caregivers to resources and services that will provide support specifically pertaining to the individual perspective of psycho education, substance use and self-care
• Assist specific consumers to build a network of natural and community supports
• Utilize their own lived-experience with mental health and/or substance use concerns to provide peer to peer support, modeling and coaching during all interactions and meetings

Legacy operates the State-designated Screening and Crisis Intervention Program for Burlington County, providing evaluations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis or posing a danger to self, others or property.

We make it our priority to screen and triage individuals in crisis within community settings as opposed to a hospital setting. Our certified screeners and mental health professionals work together to stabilize the crisis and determine the most appropriate, least restrictive treatment option.

Hours:

Full Time, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

This position offers the following benefits:

• 3.2 weeks of Paid Time Off during the first year
• Medical insurance, vision, dental and life insurance benefits
• 403(b) employee participation and employer match
• 9 Agency-paid holidays
• Training opportunities provided throughout the year
• Retention bonus offered biannually, $1.3k for full time staff

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent, with proof of some post-high school training, college work, or certificate program. AA/AS degree preferable. Must have personal lived experience as someone with mental health challenges and/or substance use concerns.  Must have knowledge of the New Jersey mental health system. Expected to have or obtain certification as a Certified Recovery Support Practioner (CRSP) and/or a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS). Must have lived personal experience of having mental health challenges and/or substance use concerns.

Legacy Treatment Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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