D137- Peer Specialist

About River Edge Behavioral Health

Serving more than 10,000 Georgians, River Edge continues to be one of the state's leading resources for mental health, substance use disorder treatments and supports as well as individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. River Edge offers outpatient services at our Emery Highway-Macon, Monroe County and Baldwin County locations. Outpatient services include behavioral health, nursing, and psychiatric assessment, stabilization and medication maintenance services as well as crisis intervention services as well as awareness, education and recovery groups.

River Edge Behavioral Health is actively seeking a Peer Specialist. In this role, you will provide vital paraprofessional social services to patients and their families, offering empathetic peer support and crisis intervention as needed. Additionally, you'll assist in addressing personal and social issues, maintain meticulous records, and facilitate referrals to essential services and resources. Collaboration with other mental health professionals ensures comprehensive care delivery.
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:30am- 5:00pm
FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Benefits Offered:

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Of
• 12 Paid Holidays
• 401k with an employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short and Long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance
• Employee Discount Program

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides peer support based on personal experience and recovery journey, offering a broad range of paraprofessional social services to patients/clients/consumers and their families.
• Offers guidance, encouragement, and practical advice to individuals navigating the mental health system, participating in treatment team planning.
• Assists peers in dealing with personal and social problems, performing crisis intervention as needed.
• May provide supportive counseling to consumers and families, serving as a liaison for social services.
• Collaborates with peers to develop personalized wellness plans and recovery goals, preparing lesson plans for group topics.
• Maintains accurate records of peer interactions and progress, documenting daily group notes and performing case management duties.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates peer-led support groups or self-help meetings, providing group skills training.
• Refers peers to needed services and resources, assisting in accessing community resources such as mental health clinics and support groups.
• Participates in ongoing training and supervision to enhance peer support skills, collaborating with other mental health professionals to ensure coordinated care for peers.
• Initiates or contributes to peer-led initiatives promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma.

Qualifications

• A valid Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification is required or must be obtained within 12 months of employment.
• At least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Must have a valid GA Driver’s License.
• All applicants must pass a satisfactory background clearance and pre-employment drug test.
• Provide 2 Professional references (Former employers only, no family members)
• Demonstrate expertise and knowledge in mental health and substance abuse services and community resources.
• Exemplify excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.

Competencies:

• Empathy: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, crucial for providing effective peer support in challenging situations.
• Communication: Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills to facilitate meaningful connections with peers and convey information clearly.
• Case Management: Proficiency in organizing and managing client cases, including coordinating services, maintaining records, and tracking progress.
• Crisis Intervention: Skill in providing immediate support and assistance to individuals experiencing mental health crises, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Documentation: Ability to accurately record client interactions, progress, and treatment plans in accordance with organizational standards and confidentiality protocols.

Additional Information:
The Application Process

• All qualified applicants will be considered.
• This position is subject to close once a satisfactory candidate pool has been identified.
• The hiring managers will contact only those selected for an interview.
• Applicants who are not selected will receive notification via email.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email.

Safe Working Environment
We at River Edge believe every employee has a right to a safe work environment. Therefore, we require full vaccination of all employees. Getting the vaccine, frequently washing your hands, sanitizing common areas, and wearing your mask continues to be the most effective way to fight COVID-19.
Diversity and Inclusion
River Edge Behavioral Health is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, genetic make-up, disability, age, or veteran status.
Drug-Free Workplace
River Edge Behavioral Health is a drug-free workplace with a longstanding commitment to providing a safe, quality-oriented, and productive work environment. In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998, all applicants must pass a satisfactory background clearance and pre-employment drug screen.
At Will Workplace
Employment with River Edge Behavioral Health is at will. At-will means your employment relationship with River Edge Behavioral Health or Affordable Business Solution is for an indefinite period and is subject to termination by you or River Edge Behavioral Health, with or without cause, with or without notice, and at any time.
EEOC Statement
River Edge Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: River Edge Behavioral Heath recruits qualified candidates for positions in its service area. It is the policy of River Edge Behavioral Health provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make life better and a strong desire for personal growth we encourage you to apply. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.

We are an equal opportunity employer and highly value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

All selected applicants must pass a satisfactory background clearance and pre-employment drug test.