Police Peer or Behavioral Health Responder - NCSO

Ozark Center; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Ozark Center in Joplin, MO is seeking a Community-Focused Peer Support Specialist who leverages lived experience to connect community members with mental health and substance use resources, while engaging with law enforcement and local organizations.

You will provide emotional support, practice trauma-informed care, help de-escalate crises, and coordinate with social workers to ensure access to housing, treatment, and other services, while maintaining flexibility for irregular hours.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health challenges or substance use
• Ability to connect with diverse community members
• Empathy and active listening skills
• Trauma-informed approach to care

Responsibilities

• Community Outreach and Engagement: identify those in need and build relationships with local organizations and residents
• Crisis Intervention: respond to crises, provide emotional support and de-escalation
• Resource Connection: link individuals to mental health services, housing, and other resources
• Collaboration with Social Work Team: coordinate with Police Social Work for comprehensive support
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Job description

Job Description Summary The Community-Focused Peer Support Specialist plays a crucial role in bridging community members with necessary support services. This position emphasizes community engagement, crisis intervention, and collaboration with law enforcement. Key aspects of this role include:

• Lived Experience: Peer support specialists bring their own lived experience of overcoming mental health challenges or substance use. This unique perspective fosters empathy and understanding.
• Holistic Approach: Peer support services focus on the whole person, considering social, emotional, and practical needs.
• Reducing Stigma: By sharing their stories, peer specialists help reduce stigma around mental health and substance use.
• Building Trust: Community members often feel more comfortable confiding in peers, leading to stronger relationships and better outcomes.
• Trauma Informed: Services are delivered within trauma-informed principles

Responsibilities

• Community Outreach and Engagement:
  • Actively engage with community members to identify those in need of peer support services.
  • Build relationships with local organizations, community leaders, and residents.
• Crisis Intervention:
  • Respond promptly when law enforcement identifies individuals requiring peer support.
  • Provide emotional support, active listening, and practical assistance during crises.
  • Help de-escalate situations and prevent further legal entanglement.
• Resource Connection:
  • Connect individuals to mental health services, substance use treatment, housing, domestic violence, housing, and other community resources.
  • Collaborate with social workers, counselors, and other professionals.
• Collaboration with Social Work Team:
  • Work closely with other members of the Police Social Work team.
  • Consult and coordinate services to ensure comprehensive support for community members
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Typical physical demands include prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, and stooping.
• Requires normal range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed.
• Requires ability to work under stressful conditions and to work irregular hours.
• TB test upon hire.