The role
Turn lived experience into hope, connection, and recovery when people need it most.
As a Peer Specialist in Crisis Services, you’ll use your own lived experience and understanding of recovery to provide meaningful, person-centered support to individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use challenges. You’ll help people recognize their strengths, build on their resilience, connect with supportive resources, and move toward recovery goals that are meaningful to them. Working as part of a collaborative treatment team, you’ll provide peer support and crisis services across phone, video, community, and face-to-face settings.
This is a great opportunity for someone who:
- Wants to use their lived experience to encourage hope and support recovery
- Finds purpose in helping others recognize their strengths, resilience, and personal resources
- Values authentic connection and enjoys building relationships with people and communities
- Is comfortable supporting individuals during times of crisis and helping connect them with ongoing resources
- Appreciates collaborative, person-centered care and being part of a multidisciplinary team
- Is flexible and comfortable providing services in a variety of settings and across changing schedules
Key Responsibilities
- Provide peer support by sharing appropriate lived experience, modeling healthy recovery practices, and encouraging use of recovery tools.
- Help individuals identify strengths, build resilience, strengthen natural supports, and develop meaningful community connections.
- Support individuals in establishing and pursuing person-centered recovery goals and participating actively in their care.
- Provide clinically appropriate crisis intervention, risk assessments, Zero Suicide screenings, and follow-up support by phone, video, and in person.
- Participate as an active member of the treatment team and contribute the unique perspective of peer support to care planning and decisions.
- Complete required training, certification, documentation, and follow-up activities in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
- Provide or support transportation when clinically indicated; driving is an essential function of this position.
- Provide services in office, community, client, and field-based settings as required.
- Respond to medical or behavioral emergencies using current certifications and approved crisis intervention techniques.
- Maintain flexibility with work schedules and shifts, as needed, and maintain Vismo.
Requirements, Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- High School/GED required
- Must self-identify as a current or former consumer of behavioral health, substance use, or co-occurring disorder services
- Must complete a state-approved training program, pass a standardized examination, complete certification process within 60 days of hire date, and must maintain ongoing certification as a Certified Peer Specialist through the MCB (MO)
- A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and agency established minimum automobile coverage required
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
- Must obtain and maintain current CPR certification within 60 days of hire
- Must obtain and maintain certification in an approved crisis intervention methodology (CPI, MANDT, or CALM) within 60 days of hire
You’ll be a great fit for this role if you:
- Bring authenticity, empathy, and a strengths-based approach to your work.
- Can appropriately draw on your lived experience while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Believe people are capable of growth, recovery, and meaningful community connection.
- Are comfortable meeting people where they are and supporting their goals without judgment.
- Communicate effectively and work well as part of a collaborative care team.
- Can remain grounded and responsive in crisis situations.
- Are adaptable, dependable, and comfortable providing services in rural and community-based settings.
- Want your work to make a meaningful difference in communities where access to healthcare and behavioral health services can be limited.