The CPS provides non-clinical, peer-to-peer support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The CPS will use his/her own lived experience, in addition to guiding clients through their recovery journey, offering emotional support, sharing recovery strategies, and connecting them with community resources. In addition, the CPS will empower clients to advocate for themselves within the mental health system and support them in accessing necessary service. The CPS will also connect individuals to resources, provide ongoing guidance and emotional support, crisis assistance, documentation and reporting.
Program Name: EMERGE
Days & Time: Monday through Friday. Most programs operate 8am to 5pm.
Job Type: Full-Time. The selected candidate will work 40 hours a week.
Pay: $31,000 per year without a CPS certification; $33,520 per year with a CPS certification.
Population: Male and female youth, ages 16 to 30, in an early psychosis program.
Key Responsibilities
Peer Support & Mentorship: Offer full-time peer support, sharing personal experiences, from different aspects, of mental health challenges. Assist clients or families in setting and achieving recovery goals, providing guidance and encouragement.
Advocacy & Empowerment: Empower young individuals or families to advocate for themselves and navigate mental health services. Advocate for clients' or families' rights and ensure they access needed accommodations.
Resource Connection: Help connect clients or families with community resources such as education, healthcare, support groups, and social services. Assist in accessing benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, and other necessary services.
Ongoing Support: Provide emotional support and guidance, offering recovery tools based on lived experience. Work with care teams to address barriers and offer assistance as needed.
Crisis Assistance: Provide support during crises, utilizing personal recovery strategies to help stabilize situations and engage emergency services if necessary.
Documentation & Reporting: Maintain records of interactions, progress, and outcomes. Prepare reports to ensure compliance with program requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Must have a high school diploma/GED. Must be a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), OR be willing to obtain certification within one year of the date of hire. Must be 21 years of age. Personal experience with mental health recovery is required. Must have strong communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Must have a valid driver's license, as transportation of clients to appointments may be necessary.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. We are also unable to contact applicants who are not selected for a position. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by Human Resources to continue the hiring process. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.