PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Looking for a career that makes a difference in the lives of others, offering hope, meaningful life choices, and better outcomes?

Who we are

Since 1971 Western Montana Mental Health Center (WMMHC) has been the center of community partnership in the 15 counties we serve across Western Montana. We have committed to providing whole-person, person-centered care by ensuring an approach to health care that emphasizes recovery, wellness, trauma-informed care, and physical-behavioral health integration. We know the work we do is important and makes a significant impact in the lives of our clients and in our communities.

Working at WMMHC also gives you the opportunity to work under the Big Sky, giving you the adventure of a life time while serving your community and changing lives. We offer a work life balance so you still have time to discover all the natural beauty and recreational dreams that Montana has to offer while still engaging in a career path that is challenging and fulfilling.

If you want to join our team where community is at the heart of what we do, then you’ve come to the right place!

Job Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for the delivery of peer support services in a foster care or group home setting. A successful Peer Support Specialist has life experience in persistent mental illness and has participated in mental health services that led to recovery or rehabilitation. This position holds a special role on the team and in the eyes of the clients, providing supportive services to clients with severe to moderate mental illness, or co-occurring disorders.

Peer Supports work one-on-one with clients to remove barriers, celebrate victories, all while focusing on stabilization and integration for the client. The Peer Support Specialist embraces, develops, and implements recovery-based principles with clients, the team, and other clinical voices.

A day in the life of a Peer Support Specialist consists of being a positive role model through good work ethic, fairness, flexibility, and commitment to appropriate and direct communications. Peer Supports also complete documentation and other various tasks that break up the day.

Peer Support Specialists are fully integrated team members who provide highly individualized services in the community and promote client healing, self-determination, education, and awareness around one’s mental health. Your life as a Certified Peer Support Specialist will reap the benefits from this act of service.

Get excited to make a difference!

Current opening in Missoula - Part time 20 hours per week

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalency

• Certified by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health (CBHPSS)

• Must demonstrate sustained & stable recovery for a period of at least 2 years

• Ability to pass background check and driver’s license check upon offer of employment.

• Provide proof of auto liability insurance coverage per Western’s policies.

• Montana Driver’s License with good driving record

Preferred experience

One year’s experience working in the mental health field preferred

Benefits:

We know that whole-person care is not just important for our clients, but recognize it’s just as important for our employees. WMMHC has worked hard to provide a benefits package that encompasses that same concept. Our comprehensive benefits package focuses on the health, security, and growth of our employees. Benefit offerings will vary based upon full time, part time, or variable status.

• Health Insurance – 3 options to choose from starting as little as no cost to employee only

• Employer paid benefits: Employee Assistance Program, Life insurance for employees and dependents, and long term disability

• Voluntary options available: dental & vision insurance, short term disability, additional life insurance and dependent care flexible spending account

• Health savings account (HSA) with match or medical flexible spending account (FSA)

• 403(B) Retirement enrollment offered right away with an employer match offered after one year

• Generous paid time off to take care of yourself and do the things you love

• Accrued PTO starts immediately

• Extended sick leave

• 9 paid holidays and 8 floating holidays

• Loan forgiveness programs through PSLF or NHSC