URGENT CARE PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Newport, VT 05855 Apply Overview Salary Range $21.25 - $25.97 Hourly Apply Description About Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) is a 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit Designated Agency serving Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties. Our mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities by promoting hope, healing, and support. NKHS provides a wide range of community-based mental health, substance use, and developmental services to nearly 4,000 individuals annually. With more than 450 employees, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centered care across the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Urgent Care Peer Support Specialist The Peer Support Specialist for Urgent Care Services is an essential member of a multidisciplinary team that responds to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or co-occurring crises. The Peer Support Specialist provides initial peer counseling and works collaboratively with a mental health and substance use care professional to provide crisis intervention, assessment, and follow-up services to individuals of all ages. Responsibilities Collaborate with the mental health and substance use care professional to form a cohesive multidisciplinary team that responds to crisis situations in a timely manner. Conduct crisis screening and assessment under the supervision of the mental health and substance use care professional, ensuring the individual's safety and determining appropriate disposition. Work closely with individuals and families to address the identified crisis issues and provide emotional support, empathy, and active listening. Connect individuals to appropriate level of care such as outpatient and community based services, emergency department and inpatient services, when needed, through warm hand-offs and transportation coordination. Provide follow-up services, either in-person, via telehealth, or telephonically, to individuals who are not admitted to a 24-hour treatment setting, ensuring linkage to needed supports and aftercare services. Document crisis interventions accurately and thoroughly using the designated crisis assessment form, including assessment findings, observed mental status, and risk evaluation. Collaborate with 911 and 988 for direct telephone transfers and ensure seamless communication with emergency services. [BJ1] Adhere to Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards and ensure inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility for both staff and clients. Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance crisis intervention skills and knowledge. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent; relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred. Experience working in a mental health, substance use, or crisis intervention setting is highly desirable. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to provide empathetic and nonjudgmental support to individuals in crisis. Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and the ability to apply them in crisis interventions. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to document interventions accurately. Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals. Proficiency in adhering to crisis response protocols and working under pressure to meet response time targets. Commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards.

Salary & Benefits Hourly Rate:

$21.25 - $25.97, based on qualifications Tuition & continuing education reimbursements and loan repayment program. Health and dental insurance. 403b retirement plan with Agency contribution and match. Generous paid time off, 12 sick days and 12 paid holidays. Outstanding employee wellness program Exceptional benefits package including low-cost medical and dental, short-/long-term disability coverages, life insurance, employee assistance program, and additional optional benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer NKHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.