Peer Specialist

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.

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.
• Providing self-help education and linking 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, offering support and advocacy in treatment or other community settings.
• Remaining 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.
• 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, good eye contact, and positive interactions.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click 'Apply for Job' below or visit our website at www.bhnworks.org and click on “Browse All Jobs” to apply!

BHN maintains its commitment to social justice and diversity and strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.