Peer Support Specialist | 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach

Collaborative Support Programs of NJ; Freehold (NJ); On-site; USD 33,062 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance (free)

Vision insurance (free)

6 weeks PTO

11 holidays

Job summary

Collaborative Support Programs of NJ (CSPNJ) is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT) serving Ocean and Monmouth counties. You will provide crisis care through a peer lens, use lived experience to build rapport, and help de‑escalate crises.

Requirements include credentialing in recovery/peer support, 2+ years of recovery, a high school diploma with relevant experience, a valid NJ driver’s license, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Must have CRSP/CPRS/NCRPSS/Certified Wellness Coach or Community MH Associate Certificate or equivalent.
• Must have lived experience and at least 2+ years of continuous recovery from SMI or SUD.
• NJ Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to foster meaningful connections.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to disclose use of mental health and/or addiction services.
• Proven ability to engage and support individuals using empathy and professionalism.
• Proficiency in MS Office and general computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls dispatched through the 988 crisis center as part of MCORT.
• Provide crisis intervention and crisis care through a peer lens.
• Linkage to ongoing community mental health services and initiate follow-up contacts.
• Collaborate with individuals to identify strengths, goals and areas for skill-building.
• Work with referral sources and stabilization provider networks for case management and linkages to aftercare.

Skills

Empathy and rapport-building

Crisis intervention

De-escalation techniques

Strong communication (verbal & written

Calm under pressure

Trauma-informed approach

Lived experience with mental health or

Team collaboration

Bilingual (plus)

MS Office proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

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 Ocean and Monmouth 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.

Services

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.

Benefits

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 Openings

• Friday - Tuesday: 7:30am - 4:00pm
• Sunday - Thursday: 3:30pm - 12:00am
• Friday - Tuesday: 11:30pm - 8:00am

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.

Additional schedules may become available based on program needs.

Salary

Hourly Rate: $24.04 - $25.00 depending on shift