Peer Support Specialist, Community Support Program (CSP), Adult Dept - Get a FREE Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling!

Fulfill your purpose at CLM: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8bCS3JufXrPyr7SgiLrusQ

Center for Life Management (CLM) provides the area’s most comprehensive array of outpatient mental health services for adults and elders. Our multi-disciplined treatment team works with individuals ages 18+ who experience severe and persistent mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. The CSP Peer Support Specialist on this multi-disciplinary team will offer assistance to individuals who are dealing with mental health, substance abuse, and emotional challenges.  The peer support specialist, through skillful use of lived experience, build strong connections with our clients and inspire those they are assisting.  This is a full time, 35 hour per week position.

Major Functional Areas and Description of Duties

  • Provide perspective and understanding of client’s experiences including: symptoms of mental illness, effects and side-effects of medications, responses to and opinions of treatment, self and culture-wide stigma and discrimination, and experiences of recovery;
  • Provide peer counseling to promote hope, responsibility, effective decision making, active participation in treatment and recovery processes, and participation in consumer self-help programs/consumer advocacy organizations;
  • Utilize a framework of Trauma-Informed Care and actively seek to determine whether the client has experienced trauma so that effective implementation of support can be applied;
  • Be a role model and inspire recovery by instilling hope, building trust, demonstrating empathy, being present, and listening to client’s needs to set client-centered goals, collaborate on care, answer questions about and foster engagement in treatment;
  • Link client and/or natural supports with appropriate community mental health resources that best fit the presenting problems as well as level of motivation and stage of change;
  • Maintain contact with clients for a set period of time after a crisis to ensure connection has been made with agreed upon referral sources and additional education/supports are provided beyond the immediate amelioration of the crisis;
  • Provide direct hours of billable service each week to meet direct, service key performance indicator expectations;
  • Follow all SAMHSA Core Competencies of Peer Support;
  • Work collaboratively with other treatment team members, natural supports, and external providers to ensure a wrap-around care is provided to the client;
  • Serve on appropriate committees, both internal and external, as determined by supervisor;
  • Function professionally and in a manner that protects the integrity, confidentiality and rights of all patients;
  • Execute all required services and timely documentation in accordance with agency policies and federal/state standards;
  • Maintain professional memberships, licenses, accreditation, certifications, etc.;
  • Represent CLM in a professional and appropriate manner in all settings;
  • Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a human services or related field preferred however a high school diploma or equivalent, or at least two years of paid or volunteer experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses will be considered;
  • Have self-knowledge to manage one’s own mental illness and be well along in their recovery (at least one year or greater in recovery, absent of any psychiatric crisis or hospitalization) and abstinence from substance use for 1 year or more;
  • Strong commitment to the right and the ability of each person with a severe mental illness to live in normal community residences, work in market jobs, and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services;
  • Must have or works towards a certification as a Peer Support Specialist;
  • Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment in routine, urgent, and emergent clinical situations;
  • Proficient computer skills, specifically with all Microsoft office applications;
  • Ability to document effectively and efficiently in course of work;
  • Ability to navigate an electronic health record;
  • Ability and desire to work as part of a clinical team while also able to be self-directed and motivated with minimal supervision;
  • Ability to acquire and effectively practice new clinical skills as needed according to evolving agency needs/services;
  • Effective communication skills, organizational skills, and ability to multi-task.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The work takes place in a variety of settings to include office-based, client’s home, community and/or remote. May need to transport clients at times when deemed safe to do so. Manual dexterity is needed to use computers and standard office equipment. The ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time is required. Reliable internet access, transportation, a clean driving record, and proof of auto insurance coverage is required.

Benefits

At Center for Life Management we offer a robust benefits package because caring for our staff is just as important as caring for our clients. Benefits for benefits eligible employees include:

  • Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid earned time (3 weeks in year one, caps at 6 weeks)
  • Paid holidays (8) with bonus birthday holiday in your birth month
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 3% company contribution upon 1 year of employment
  • Life Insurance paid by company
  • Short and Long Term Disability paid by company
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance paid by company
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), accessible to staff and their natural supports
  • Company issued cell phone and laptop as needed for role
  • Scholarship for professional advancement
  • Mileage reimbursement for applicable positions
  • On the job training and continuing education opportunities
  • Rewarding and supportive work environment with excellent opportunities for career growth
  • Meaningful relationships with your co-workers and the individuals we serve
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Teamwork, teamwork and more teamwork! 

The Center for Life Management has partnered with New England College to offer a Master’s Degree! This is an exciting opportunity for CLM staff to earn a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS) degree in 3 years. 

Who’s Eligible and What’s Required:

  • Must be a regular, full-time CLM employee in good standing for 9 months or more.
  • Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Must agree to a five (5) year commitment of full-time employment in good standing with the Center for Life Management (beginning from start date/year of Professional Development Program participation).
  • Participants must maintain a B average to continue participation in the program.

*Cost of tuition is covered by Center for Life Management

*Employee is responsible for applicable taxable portion of tuition remission

Join CLM and make your career dreams a reality!

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