A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
$20-$21 hourly, based on certification! Based in Kennebec County. The Intentional Peer Support Specialist - Crisis provides peer support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in community-based settings, including homes, community locations, and other appropriate environments. Drawing on lived experience and formal training, the Peer Support Specialist offers compassionate emotional support, practical assistance, crisis de-escalation, and advocacy to individuals and families during high-acuity situations. As a member of a two-person Mobile Crisis response team, the Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with clinical staff to safely reduce distress and support stabilization using the least restrictive, trauma-informed approaches. The Peer Support Specialist helps individuals identify strengths, coping strategies, and immediate needs, and supports linkage to natural supports, community resources, and follow-up services. This role requires flexibility in scheduling and response, sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to remain grounded and supportive in fast-paced, unpredictable environments while maintaining appropriate boundaries, ethics, and accurate documentation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide peer-based crisis support and de-escalation to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in community settings. Use lived experience to model recovery, resilience, and self-advocacy. Support individuals in identifying strengths, coping strategies, and immediate needs during crisis encounters. Assist individuals with linkage to community resources, natural supports, and follow-up services. Collaborate with clinicians, crisis responders, hospitals, law enforcement, and community partners as appropriate. Participate in dual-response Mobile Crisis teams. Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with agency, CIPSS, and regulatory standards. Adhere to ethical guidelines, confidentiality requirements, and professional boundaries. Participate in supervision, team meetings, and required trainings. Travel within the service area and transport self and, when appropriate, participants in accordance with agency policy. Perform other duties as assigned to support Mobile Crisis operations.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS
Be committed to the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Works collaboratively as a member of a team with various groups of staff, depending on the issue addressed. Assures quality in work performed. Demonstrate excellent organizational skills. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing and in group or public settings. Reports sensitive employee matters to the Director in accordance with Sweetser policies and procedures. Provides timely and accurate paperwork, including timesheets, expense reports, and documentation. Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
High School diploma or equivalent.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED
Active CIPSS certification in good standing. Completed CIPSS certificate required to be eligible for the role. Lived/living experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery consistent with CIPSS guidelines. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a CIPSS-certified peer support role (or equivalent experience, if applicable) . Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
EXPERIENCE
Identifies as a person with lived/living experience with mental health and/or substance use, that was life-interrupting, and has a personal history of recovery, a wellness or change story that guides their peer relationships and peer work. Paid or unpaid, peer support experience preferred. Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Strong communication, interpersonal, and crisis intervention skills. Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Demonstrates knowledge of personal Recovery. Demonstrates proficiency in all applications contained in the Microsoft Office suite. Demonstrate proficiency in cloud-based video conferencing applications. Demonstrate strong oral and written skills. Ability to work with diverse populations and accept differences in perspective and values.
Pay:
$20.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
403(b) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Loan forgiveness Professional development assistance Vision insurance
