Job Description

Job Title:Peer Specialist
Location:Kirksville, MO
Department: Crisis Center
Employment Type: Full-time
Shift:Monday - Friday, Varies

Are you a passionate and dedicated Peer Specialist looking to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals on their recovery journey? Do you want to work in a supportive and dynamic environment where you can grow your skills and advance your career? Join our team at Preferred Family Healthcare as a Peer Specialist!

As a Peer Specialist, you'll help individuals develop essential recovery skills, access community resources, and stay motivated in their recovery journey. Our ideal candidate has lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to supporting others.

Living in Kirksville, MO, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant academic atmosphere due to the presence of Truman State University and A.T. Still University. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, access to cultural events, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city's affordable cost of living and friendly atmosphere make it an appealing place to live and raise a family. Join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals who seek our services!

Position Perks & Benefits:

• PTO

• Competitive 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan – up to 5% match for Part-Time and Full-Time employees

• Professional development opportunities

• Supportive team environment

• Employee Discount Program

• Mileage Reimbursement (when applicable)
  

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans

• Maintain communication with referral sources and guardians

• Participate in care coordination meetings

• Research and refer individuals to external resources

• Schedule and provide transportation to services and appointments

• Accompany clients to appointments when permitted

• Support clients in accessing medical and recovery services

• Offer crisis intervention and facilitate group education sessions

• Pursue ongoing professional development

• Use peer support to foster recovery and resilience

• Help individuals build community connections and access recovery supports

• Support clients in making independent choices and setting recovery goals

• Provide mentoring, advocacy, and coaching

• Encourage healthy, productive, and sober lifestyles

• Adhere to ethical and confidentiality standards
  

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• Must self-identify as a person in recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorder

• Minimum of one year of direct experience with the mental health system as a primary consumer

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Must complete a state-approved Certified Peer Support training program within six months of employment

• Exceptions to qualifications may be made by leadership
  

Required License/Certification (one of the following):

• The application and the requirements are outlined in “Missouri Peer Specialist” at https://mopeerspecialist.com.

• High School education or equivalent

• Two (2) years of responsible employment history.

• If required, complete a 5-Day Basic Training Program; following which, the individual must pass a State of Missouri approved certification examination within six months.
  ​

Additional Qualifications:

• Ability to share personal recovery experiences while maintaining boundaries

• Knowledge of recovery tools and community resources

• Understanding of mental health and substance use treatment methods

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• General computer proficiency

• Ability to connect clients to mutual aid and recovery support groups

Position Perks & Benefits:

Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life

Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more

Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive

Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within

Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

Brightli is on a Mission:

A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.

As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.