Job Description:
This job is posted on behalf of The Exeter Group by Top Echelon. The Peer Support Specialist provides mobile, community-based outreach and non-clinical peer support through the organization’s Crisis Program 591. Using recovery-oriented principles and lived experience, when applicable, this position engages individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, recovering from an overdose, frequently utilizing emergency services, or at risk of becoming disconnected from care. The Peer Support Specialist conducts follow-up outreach, builds trusting relationships, addresses barriers to treatment, and helps individuals connect or reconnect with behavioral health, substance use, medical, and community-based services. Working closely with crisis staff, emergency departments, treatment providers, and community partners, this role promotes continuity of care, supports recovery, and helps reduce avoidable emergency service utilization.
JOB DUTIES:
Conduct mobile outreach, community canvassing, and follow-up engagement. Engage high emergency department utilizers, post-overdose individuals, and people disconnected from care. Complete non-clinical Outreach Triage Assessments and required documentation. Follow referrals through final disposition and document all outreach attempts. Build rapport and encourage participation in behavioral health and recovery services. Assist individuals with accessing treatment, benefits, housing, and other community resources. Accompany individuals to appointments and provide practical, recovery-oriented support. Coordinate transportation to intake, assessment, and treatment appointments. Facilitate warm handoffs to internal programs and community providers. Maintain relationships with hospitals, first responders, referral sources, and community partners. Participate in Program 591 meetings, training, supervision, and quality-improvement activities. Follow crisis-program safety procedures while working in community settings. Perform other duties as assigned. SCHEDULE7:00 AM – 7:00 PM7:00 PM – 7:00 AMQUALIFICATIONSHigh school diploma or GED required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred. One (1) year of experience providing community outreach, peer support, behavioral health, substance use, crisis intervention, case management, or related human services preferred. Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) preferred. Must be eligible to obtain Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification within one year of hire. Knowledge of community resources and organizations serving individuals with behavioral health and substance use needs. Ability to engage individuals experiencing crisis, instability, or reluctance to participate in services. Strong communication, organization, documentation, and time-management skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced community settings. Basic computer proficiency and ability to use electronic documentation systems. Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance. Must be eligible to obtain Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification within one year of hire.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mobile, community-based position requiring frequent travel throughout assigned service areas. Work may occur in participants’ homes, hospitals, shelters, community settings, and other field locations. May encounter individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, substance use, homelessness, or other unstable situations and must follow established safety protocols while conducting community outreach. Must follow all organizational safety, infection-control, and crisis-response procedures.
