Johnson County Mental Health Center is looking to fill the position of a Peer Support Specialist. The Peer Support Specialist will provide services to clients who are justice-involved and engaged in specialty court programs. This may include working with individuals residing in the community, at the Adult Residential Center (Corrections) (New Century, KS) and/ or are in Intensive Supervised Probation (Lenexa, KS). The peer support specialist will provide education and support individually and in groups. The successful candidate will demonstrate recovery expertise in mental illness (know how to support others in their recovery) and have the ability to demonstrate their own efforts at recovery. The candidate must self-identify as a present or former consumer of mental health services. First review of applications will begin on August 25, 2023. Job duties include the following:

• Teaches, coaches and provides guidance and support on various skills to enable productive lives of individuals; assists individual and family members to identify strategies or treatment options and participates in the development and modification of plans to regain ability to make independent choices and promote coping skills; develops and maintains a positive and effective relationship with service recipients, families, and other service providers, serving as the main point of contact.

• Organizes and participates in meetings related to care coordination; completes documentation for direct services provided to ensure timely and accurate completion.

• Serves as a role model for clients by identifying as a client of mental health services in an effort to help clients develop skills for coping and managing psychiatric symptoms.

• Provides peer support activities using advanced specialization in supported employment to promote skills for managing psychiatric symptoms with progress toward identified employment goals.

High School diploma or equivalent, one (1) year of experience working in a human services field, and a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record are required. Education can substitute for experience. The successful candidate must also pass the background and pre-employment screening process.

Certification in Peer Support preferred.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:
All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments/agencies in a declared emergency situation.