Title:  Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist

Work Unit: Park County Sheriff Office

Supervisor: Park County Sheriff or designee

Clinical Supervisor: L’esprit Mental Health Center, clinical supervision based on one hour per every 20 hours worked

Current Classification:

Pay Grade:   Pay Grade – 8  $17.60 - 21.60 per hour

Position hours - .5 - .8 FTE Full Time Equivalent – 20 – 32 hours per week. This grant funded position will be funded through December 2023.

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II. ASSIGNED DUTIES AND TASKS

Position overview:

A Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist provides flexible, community-based peer support services that are designed to promote the recovery, empowerment and community integration of individuals who have severe behavioral health challenges.  This is a 0.5 - .8 (20 – 32 hours per week) FTE position working alongside law enforcement and other community partners with mobile crisis response providing Peer Support services during mental health emergencies and crisis intervention. This position is also providing prevention efforts through relationship building and follow up care for individuals at risk of mental health crisis. The goal of this position is to provide appropriate care for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, that diverts individuals from the Montana State Hospital, jail or emergency department and instead de-escalates and stabilizes individuals in the community whenever possible and in the least restrictive and most supportive environment possible.

Essential functions: These duties are the essential functions and are not all-inclusive of all duties that the incumbent performs:

• Report to scene when dispatched by law enforcement 
• Work directly with clients to deescalate the situation in the field
• Articulate personal experiences and recovery journey
• Provide peer support that is mutual and respectful
• Assist in arranging transportation for individuals needing to go to ER, if other options are available outside of law enforcement
• Make a safety plan for individuals involved before leaving the scene
• Follow up on the status of persons in distress and search out and refer to community resources
• Provide consultation to families, friends and other providers of care to persons in acute distress
• Complete records and reports according to established policy and procedure
• Communicate effectively and professionally with members of community including but not limited to law enforcement and first responders
• Cooperate with law enforcement members in a professional and courteous manner
• Maintain a valid Montana driver’s license with a two year history of clear driving record

III. KNOWLEDGE

• Must be able to maintain state certification as a Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist credentialed by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health.
• Willing to self-identify as a client of mental health and or substance abuse services who is well established in a recovery program
• Able to maintain long term stable recovery (with a minimum of two years in recovery) with no hospitalizations (longer than 72 hours) or incarceration.
• Travel is required with this position. Candidate must have a reliable vehicle and mileage is reimbursed at $.56 per mile
• Candidate must be willing to submit and pass a background check as part of the application process.

Education and Experience 

High School diploma, GED or HiSET. Experience with the Montana court system or experience working with law enforcement is preferred.  Demonstrated skills on personal computers preferred. 

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

Montana State Board of Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist certification – Active 

Current Montana Driver’s License and be subject to random drug testing in the Drug Test Network per Park County participation.