Peer Support Specialist | 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach

Collaborative-Support-Programs; Cranford (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance (DMO)

Vision insurance

6 weeks PTO

11 holidays

Job summary

CSPNJ in New Jersey is hiring a Peer Support Specialist to join mobile crisis outreach teams serving Middlesex and Union counties. You will respond to 988-dispatched calls, provide crisis care through a peer lens, and promote recovery with empathy and trauma-informed practice.

You will link individuals to community resources and follow up to prevent crises. The role requires lived experience with recovery, a high school diploma and 2+ years in mental health, plus strong communication and

Qualifications

• Must have lived experience and at least 2+ years of continuous recovery from SMI or SUD.
• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2+ years of work experience in mental health.
• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to foster meaningful, respectful connections.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure in challenging situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in crisis engagement.
• Willingness to disclose use of mental health services and speak openly about recovery.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls dispatched through the 988 crisis center.
• Provide immediate support and crisis intervention for individuals in crisis.
• Link to ongoing community mental health services and initiate follow-up contacts.
• Collaborate with referral sources and stabilization networks for case management.
• Identify strengths and goals with individuals and support skill-building.
• Utilize trauma-informed practices to de-escalate and support recovery.
• Engage and support individuals with empathy and professionalism.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed

De-escalation

Suicide risk assessment

Safety planning

Case management liaison

Empathy and active listening

MS Office

Lived experience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Description

CSPNJ, a mental health nonprofit agency, is looking for a Peer Support Specialist. The Peer Support Specialist is part of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT) in Middlesex and Union counties. The MCORT team will consist of “Master Level Supervisors” & “Crisis Counselors”. The Peer Support Specialists and Crisis Counselors will respond to calls dispatched through the 988 crisis center. The Peer Support Specialist is trained in crisis intervention and will provide crisis care through a peer lens ensuring that the individual feels heard and understood as well as modeling hope that there is a path forward.

MCORT provides 24/7 mobile community outreach services to adults in crisis, including mental health, substance use, and suicidal emergencies. Calls are dispatched through the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline Call Center. Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams will be available to help individuals de-escalate their crisis and access needed resources.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Provide immediate support, crisis intervention, and promote mental health and wellness.
• Utilize personal lived experience to build rapport and trust with individuals.
• Share your recovery journey to inspire hope and demonstrate that recovery is possible.
• Must be able to demonstrate competency in appropriate care, trauma informed, de-escalation techniques, suicide assessment, and safety planning.
• Provide linkage to ongoing community mental health services, and initiate follow-up contacts to ensure further crisis diversion.
• Collaborate with individuals to identify strengths, goals, and areas for skill-building.
• Work with community referral sources and stabilization provider networks regarding case management and linkages to stabilization and aftercare services.

Full-time | Benefit Eligible (Medical, free DMO dental & free vision) including 6 weeks PTO & 11 Holidays

Hourly Rates:

• - Day and Evening Shifts: 7:30am - 4:00pm & 3:30pm - 12:00am: $24.04/hour
• - Overnight Shift: 11:30pm - 8:00am: $25.00/hour

Current Opening(s):

- Friday - Tuesday: 3:30pm - 12:00am

Additional schedules may become available based on program needs.

Requirements

• REQUIRED 1 of the following: CRSP-Certified Recovery Support Practitioner, CPRS-Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, NCRPSS-National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Certified Wellness Coach or Community MH Associate Certificate.
• MUST have lived experience and at least 2+ years of continuous recovery from SMI or SUD diagnosis.
• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2+ years of work experience in mental health field.
• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to foster meaningful, respectful connections.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure when dealing with challenging situations.
• Great critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt and act accordingly to situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with individuals in crisis.
• Willingness to disclose use of mental health and/or addiction services and speak openly on aspects of recovery.
• Proven ability to engage and support individuals using empathy, professionalism, and trauma-informed practices.
• Proven ability to engage and support individuals with mental health diagnoses using empathy and professionalism.
• Proficient in MS Office products, as well as general computer literacy.
• Bilingual skills are a plus!
• MUST have a valid NJ Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Lived Experience: CSPNJ prioritizes hiring individuals who use their personal experience with mental health diagnoses or substance use to inspire, support, and empower others.