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Peer Support Specialist - Emergency Services

United Counseling Service

Bennington, VT
1 day ago

Job Description

Description

Job Details

Job Location : Bennington, VT

Position Type : Full Time

Education Level : High School

Salary Range : $20.94 - $23.56 Hourly

Job Shift : Any

Job Category : Non-Credentialed Position

Description

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. DIRECT CLIENT SUPPORT SERVICES:
  • Provide direct peer support using active listening, motivational interviewing, and strength-based conversations.
  • Assist clients during crisis admissions and discharges, including completing required forms, interviews, inventories, and orientation.
  • Help individuals navigate outpatient intakes and support follow-up with community providers.
  • Conduct and facilitate daily client engagement activities such as check-ins and peer-led groups.
  • Support meal preparation and maintain a welcoming environment at Battelle House.
  • Assist clients with medication understanding and prescription pickups.
  • Provide outreach to community members in need of services.

2.0 2.0 CLINICAL AND CRISIS SUPPORT

  • Provide peer support during mobile crisis calls and co-responses.
  • Support client safety and emotional de-escalation during crises.
  • Triage, screen, and route incoming crisis calls; escalate to clinicians when needed.
  • Assist with bed calls, referrals, and prior authorizations for psychiatric hospitalizations.

3.0 3.0 CLINICAL OPERATIONS AND MEDICATION SUPPORT

  • Take and record vital signs upon client admission and discharge.
  • Assist nursing staff with delegated medication administration and tracking.
  • Support documentation related to medication-related activities

4.0 PEER GROUP FACILITATION & RESOURCE NAVIGATION

  • Lead or co-lead peer support groups promoting recovery and community.
  • Assist clients with accessing internal and external resources.
  • Promote autonomy, self-direction, and healing.

5.0 CLIENT IDENTIFICATION, OUTREACH, AND ADVOCACY

  • Advocate for client rights across settings, including hospitals, meetings, and community interactions.
  • Conduct outreach to individuals who could benefit from UCS services.
  • Foster family and natural support connections where clinically appropriate.

6.0 RECORD KEEPING & DOCUMENTATION

  • Complete all documentation accurately and timely, supporting quality care and billing.
  • Maintain professional and confidential records.

7.0 AGENCY PARTICIPATION

  • Collaborate across departments and participate in agency-wide initiatives.
  • Uphold UCS values of equity, compassion, and person-centered care.

Qualifications

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

- High school diploma or equivalent required.

- Lived experience with mental health, trauma, or related challenges.

- Certification in Intentional Peer Support (IPS) within one year of hire and maintained throughout employment.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

- Certification in Intentional Peer Support (IPS) within one year of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Experience facilitating support groups or working in a peer-led environment.

- Knowledge of mental health systems, neurodiversity, psychiatric survivorship, and recovery frameworks.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

- Experience providing peer support.

- Familiarity with trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.

- Strong communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills.

- Organizational skills and experience with electronic records.

- Ability to maintain emotional composure under stress.

- Understanding of HIPAA, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.

- Commitment to recovery-oriented, person-driven service models.

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