Peer Support Specialist (CSU)

Oakland Community Health Network; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland Community Health Network is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to support clients at the Resource and Crisis Center by providing compassionate care and coordinating essential services. The role requires collaboration with an interdisciplinary team while maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.

Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma or GED and the MDHHS Certified Peer Support Specialist certification, with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in mental health, substance use treatment, or crisis services in a hospital or community setting.
• MDHHS Certified Peer Support Specialist required.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Engage and collaborate with clients presenting for care at the Resource and Crisis Center.
• Provide continuity of care including discharge planning.
• Advocate for client needs, rights, and preferences.

Skills

Effective problem-solving

Strong interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time-management skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or higher

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Job Summary

This position supports clients during their stay at the Resource and Crisis Center by providing compassionate care, de‑escalation, and coordination of services. The role includes developing discharge and safety plans, offering follow‑up support, and connecting clients to community resources. The specialist collaborates with the interdisciplinary team, maintains accurate documentation, and upholds confidentiality and professional standards.

Schedule

This position works three 12‑hour shifts per week, including every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday). As a 24/7 facility, both day and night shifts are available:

• Day Shift: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• Night Shift: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM

Essential Functions

• Engage and collaborate with clients presenting for care at the Resource and Crisis Center
• Provide continuity of care throughout the client’s stay, including discharge planning and post‑discharge follow‑up
• Encourage client participation in the care process, communicating clearly about available options and aligning with client preferences whenever possible
• Function as an integral member of the interdisciplinary care team to maximize client outcomes
• Welcome clients to the Crisis Center, establishing a safe and supportive environment
• De‑escalate crises while interacting with clients with dignity and respect
• Provide referrals and connect clients to preferred community services
• Collaborate with clients to create and implement safety plans
• Assist clients in accessing services and navigating barriers post‑discharge
• Share lived experience when appropriate to support client engagement
• Assist clients in understanding and managing their symptoms
• Support connections to self‑help groups when appropriate
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
• Participate in clinical supervision, staff meetings, and crisis debriefings
• Advocate for client needs, rights, and preferences
• Complete all required electronic and paper documentation accurately and timely
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Job Requirements & Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree or higher preferred

Certifications & Training

• MDHHS Certified Peer Support Specialist required

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in mental health, substance use treatment, or crisis services in a hospital or community setting
• Familiarity with community resources for mental health and substance use treatment

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Effective problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Accurate documentation and record‑keeping

Knowledge Requirements

• HIPAA compliance
• Microsoft 365
• Recipient Rights
• Mental Health Code
• Medicaid Manual
• Regulatory compliance standards

Core Competencies

• Integrity / Building Trust: Demonstrates ethical behavior and alignment with organizational values
• Customer Focus: Prioritizes client needs and builds strong relationships
• Continuous Learning: Actively seeks opportunities for growth and applies new knowledge
• Work Standards: Maintains accountability and high performance expectations
• Communication: Clearly conveys information in a way that engages and informs others

Additional Information

• Work is performed primarily in a crisis center environment
• Must be available for meetings or events outside standard business hours, as needed
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation

Equal Opportunity Statement

Oakland Community Health Network is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.