If you have a lived experience in mental health and/or substance abuse and are successfully managing your recovery, consider being a part of our amazing peer support team! The Bert Nash Center is looking for individuals to inspire and support our clients through various stages of recovery. The Peer Support Specialist serves as a role model for clients and helps develop and maintain coping skills to succeed in recovery and improve mental wellness. This is a unique and rewarding position that combines coaching, support, and sharing of past experiences.  Must have a minimum of one year in the active stage of recovery. A cover letter explaining your peer experience and other qualifications for this position is strongly encouraged.

Caring. Hope. Giving back. Our mission at the Bert Nash Center as the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) of Douglas County is to advance the health of the community through comprehensive behavioral health services responsive to evolving needs and changing environments. We accomplish this by believing in our team. Each person that works for the Bert Nash Center contributes directly to the success of our clients, organization, and community. Our values of compassion, integrity, equity and hope reflect in everything we do.

Pay is based on experience starting at $16.25 - $19.29 per hour, Full Time, 40 hours per week, non-exempt, benefits eligible. Benefits include: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, KPERS Retirement, Life Insurance, EAP and generous PTO.

Responsibilities: 

The primary responsibility of the Peer Support Specialist will be to provide peer assistance and support to Bert Nash clients receiving services within the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program. 

Some specific duties include but not limited to:

• Helping consumers develop a network for information and support from others who have been through similar experiences.  Specific activities may include:

         a.  working with individuals and groups to identify what works in their recovery;
         b.  modeling successful behaviors and strategies and share personal experience with recovery.;
         c.  helping consumers access new resources and practice new skills in the community;
         d.  connecting consumers with other consumers, consumer run organizations and the community at large;
         e.  providing information regarding educational and vocational opportunities within the community.

• Helping consumers regain the ability to make independent choices and take a proactive role in treatment.  Specific activities may include:

         a. helping consumers discuss questions or concerns about medications, diagnosis or treatment approaches with their treating clinician;
         b. helping consumers articulate in their own words their goals and aspirations in the development of their individualized plan.

• Assisting consumers with identifying and effectively responding to or avoiding identified precursors or triggers that result in functional impairments.  Specific activities may include:

         a. Sharing and supporting use of recovery tools including established best practices and individually develops tools and strategies;
         b. Sharing lived experiences and model recovery strategies.

Qualifications:

Including but not limited to:

• A previous consumer of mental health and/or substance abuse services, with a minimum of one year in the active stages of recovery (i.e. not currently requiring services more intense than medication services, individual therapy or group therapy);
• High School diploma or GED.  Prefer college education in social work or related field, but not mandatory;
• Ability to pass required security background checks;
• Reliable transportation and a valid, unrestricted driver's license;
• Flexibility in assigned working hours; and
• An energetic and positive approach to the rapidly evolving changes and challenges of a complex work place.

Bert Nash Center requires proof of Covid-19 immunization prior to starting any position. Covid-19 vaccine series must be completed or in process to be cleared for new hire orientation