Description

Position Summary:

• The Crisis Response Team provides timely crisis response, completion of a crisis assessment, and short-term intervention services for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The Peer Support Specialists will complete the necessary duties while supporting individuals through shared knowledge, beliefs, and experiences that promote recovery and wellness. The Peer Support Specialist requires a specialized certification (more information below).

Job Duties:

• Provide emergency crisis coverage to law enforcement for adults/youth exhibiting a behavioral health crisis. Respond with coverage within the identified time frame.
• Provide telehealth crisis assessments and recommendations to law enforcement, other identified partners, and the individual(s) in crisis (if requested, by phone or telehealth).
• Assist in de-escalation, with the goal of crisis stabilization, hospital, and jail diversion as appropriate.
• Evaluate and assess the severity of mental/behavioral health symptoms.
• Provide short-term post-crisis stabilization for consumers willing to engage in services.
• Assist clients in identifying natural support and community resources to ensure stabilization.
• Make recommendations to law enforcement or identified partner agency regarding placement needs to ensure safety.
• Develop safety, treatment, and intervention plans as appropriate.
• Provide crisis safety plans for individuals not requiring Emergency Protective Custody (EPC) or hospital placement.
• Complete necessary program documentation within the identified program time frame. Provide on-call services on a rotational basis as required by the program.
• Willing to cover five shifts a month, with one shift occurring on a weekend day or holiday.
• For on-call or occasional staff: Provide coverage for identified times, including the period of 4:30 PM to 6:00 AM during the work week and 24-hour coverage on Saturday, Sunday and holiday. Staff calls from law enforcement or identified partner agencies must be answered within 2 minutes.
• Support the individual in their unique recovery journey through active listening, modeling, and connection to resources.
• Assist individuals and staff to identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination.
• Provide coaching to facilitate system navigation, accessing community resources, and engagement with formal and informal resources and supports.
• Provide coaching on advocacy and self-help skills to enhance client’s process of recovery.
• Share experiences, skills, strengths, supports, and resources to benefit the individual by demonstrating wellness through their own effective symptom management.
• Participate in regular supervision sessions and team meetings as required by the program.
• Participate in and represent LFS at community/partner meetings to provide peer advocacy.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time-management and problem-solving skills .
• Ability to collaborate with peers, clients, and other individuals in the work environment.
• Strong client advocacy skills.
• Thorough knowledge of recovery principals and the unique role of peer support.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work.
• Knowledge of assessment techniques and determination of mental health status using DSM criteria.
• Participate in peer review process, clinical supervision, and quality Improvement activities.
• Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work.
• Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Lutheran Family Services.
• Support Lutheran Family Services in the organization’s objective to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace.

Position Competencies:

• Helping
• Decision Making
• Empathy
• Relationship Builder

Education and Experience:

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Must have at least a 12-month period of sobriety from drugs and alcohol.
• Must be willing to identify as a former or current consumer of mental health and/or substance abuse services.
• Paid or volunteer experience providing service or support to clients is preferred.
• All Peer Support Specialists must hold a Peer Support Certification or complete requirements within 12 months of hire or first available opportunity (as approved).

Physical Requirements

• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends or on-call to meet client and program needs (as directed).
• Company-issued laptop and cell phone.
• Walking and transporting client to and from various locations in the community.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of liability auto insurance, and ability to drive a personal vehicle on a daily basis for client and program needs within the community required.

Lutheran Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.