Job Information
Behavioral Health Network Certified Peer Specialist in Springfield, Massachusetts
Certified Peer Specialist Location - 417 Liberty Street, , Springfield, MA, 01104, United States Job Category - Health Care, Nonprofit-Social Services Employee Type - Full-Time Required Degree - High school Minimum Experience - 1 Year Contact information Name Elaine Connor Phone -413-657-0243 Email -elaine.connor@bhninc.org Description Join our team of competent and compassionate professionals as a Certified Peer Specialist at Behavioral Health Network! The Certified Peer Specialist provides opportunities for individuals receiving behavioral health services to direct their own recovery process (self-determination) and is an advocate for individuals\' needs and rights. The Certified Peer Specialist supports individuals with navigating the mental health services system and exploring alternatives available in the peer and general community at large. Certified peer specialist positions are available in the Community Peer Program, the Adult Mobile Crisis Team, and the Living Room. Community Peer Program: provides peer support services to adults in the community. Adult Mobile Crisis Team: provides peer support services to adults experiencing a mental health crisis. The Living Room: provides peer support services on site at peer led drop-in center. Your experience, knowledge and great skills will support the CBHC program with the following: Supporting individuals\' progress towards mental health recovery and self-determined lives by sharing vital experiential information and real-life examples of the power of recovery. Modeling personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hopefulness through telling one\'s personal recovery story, and the tools and strategies that support one\'s recovery. Inspiring hope that people can and do recover. Walks with people on their mental health recovery journeys. Dispelling myths about what it means to have a mental health condition and/or recovery. Provides self-help education and links individuals served to tools and resources. Supporting individuals in identifying their goals, hopes, and dreams, and creating a road map for getting there. Supporting individuals in emotional distress by listening and being there for them. Sharing information about all community resources, including other peer-run groups, housing and benefit resources, and community events. Upon the request of the individual served, offers support and advocacy in treatment or other community settings. Remains up to date on current resources and knowledge of the recovery movement by attending trainings and reading related articles and/or books as available. What are we looking for in a Certified Peer Specialist? Lived experience of a psychiatric diagnosis, extreme emotional states, and/or trauma required. 1 year recovery preferred. High School Diploma or GED required. Peer Specialist Certification or the ability to obtain certification within 9 months of hire. Must have a valid driver?s license and access to reliable transportation (with access to your own vehicle preferred) during all working hours required. Bilingual/bicultural in English and American Sign Language or Spanish a big plus but not required. Ability to act as an advocate and empower individuals to take leadership in their own recovery. Ability and willingness to share own recovery story in an open and skillful manner. Safe and approachable demeanor, including when under pressure. Respectful of and compassionate toward other individuals\' thoughts, behaviors, ideas, and needs. Self-aware and able to take responsibility for own mistakes, successes, weaknesses, and strengths, as well as being able and willing to seek support when needed. Optimistic and confident in approach and outlook. Curious about and open to all perspectives, with a focus toward keeping up to date with information about peer support and developments in the recovery movement. Nonjudgmental approach, effective listening;