Peer Support Specialist | Mobile Crisis

Since 1960, Benchmark has been connecting people and potential. We are committed to empowering those we serve to live as independently as possible, be included in their communities, and reach their full potential. This mission extends to our employees, who bring our mission to life each day. We actively strive to be a workplace that honors the unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths of our employees. We believe we are stronger, better, and more effective in our pursuits when we create space for everyone to be their authentic selves.

Benchmark Human Services has grown to become one of the most respected leaders in the country in the areas of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health. We work with people of all ages at home, at work, and in the community through residential programs, employment services, crisis response, early intervention, and more. View our 65 Years of Stories campaign to learn more about the impact Benchmark employees have made across the country.

In Idaho, our Mobile Response Team (MRT) provides 24/7 crisis response to youth and adults in mental health, behavioral health, and suicidal crisis throughout regions 1 and 2. We respond in the community in teams of two: a peer support specialist paired with an affiliate clinical staff member. We are looking for Peer Support Specialist to meaningfully engage with various clients and families, provide deescalation and support to them during crisis, and connect them to resources and community-based services as needed.

SCHEDULE:

• Midnight Thursday - 8am Friday (8hrs), Midnight Friday - 4pm Saturday (16hrs), Midnight Saturday - 4pm Sunday (16hrs)
• PRN (as needed)

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Peer Specialists will generally take the lead on engagement and may also conduct non-clinical assistance by providing support beyond the resolution of the immediate crisis. Must be willing to flex schedule according to the needs of the individual and mobile crisis team. This is not a remote position.

BENEFITS:

• Health, vision and dental insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401k plan with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off and Sick Time Pay
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Discounts
• and More

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Comply with all standards to ensure the health, safety and respect of individuals we serve
• Act as a member of the MRT as scheduled and needed
• Provide crisis follow-up services within 72 hours of crisis disposition
• Complete face-to-face or telephonic follow-up with individuals, as assigned, after crisis response
• Ensure individuals are linked with appropriate follow-up psychiatric, substance use, social, medical services and/or community resources before discharge
• Complete documentation as required by Benchmark Human Services or state and federal regulations
• Assist in the completion of safety plans, as directed by the clinician.
• Attend advocacy and community meetings in the region to provide education regarding mobile crisis services
• Assist the individual in identifying resources for recovery
• Attend all scheduled training and staff meetings
• Assist with crisis response as required, including face-to-face response within an average of 60 minutes
• Report any suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to supervisor or department head
• Communicate needs of the individual, regarding social determinants of health to supervisor
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required Knowledge:

• Knowledge of standards and organization policies and procedures
• Knowledge of health care privacy and confidentiality rules
• Knowledge of standard health care business practices

Required Skills:

• Must possess & demonstrate critical thinking skills
• Skillful in use of computers & general office equipment
• Skillful in interpersonal communication needed to advocate for individuals, communicate with family members, healthcare professionals, support coordinators and others.

Required Ability:

• Provider manual crisis operations standards
• Ability to facilitate a positive atmosphere promoting holistic health, wellness and team cooperation
• Ability to de-escalate individuals experiencing acute crisis and/or interpersonal conflict.
• Ability to implement physical crisis intervention procedures when needed.
• Expectations Regarding Quality and Quantity of Work:
• Complete all notes/documentation for each Individual accurately and in a timely manner before the end of the work shift.
• Utilize good judgment in providing treatment for individuals

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Have lived experience with a minimum of 2 years of continuous recovery from a Serious Mental Illness and/or substance use disorder diagnosis
• At least one year of experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or substance-related disorders who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Valid CPR and First Aid Certifications
• Must be computer literate
• Certified as a Peer Specialist by at least one of the following credentialing entities:
  a. Addiction Professional Certification Board as a Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP) or a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS);
  b. Mental Health Association in Idaho as a Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP)
  c. NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals as a National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS);
  d. Certified Wellness Coach
  e. Community Mental Health Associate certificate.

For more information about the Peer Support certification process, visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences from an accredited college or university
• Knowledge of community services and resources relevant to social determinants of health

Interested applicants can apply online at benchmarkhs.com.

EEO and Affirmative Action Employer, Veterans, Women and Individuals with Disabilities are Encouraged to Apply

Candidates selected for hire will be required to complete a background check in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.

INDDSP