Lived Experience Professional Support Specialist - PT Mental Health

The Mental Health Association is seeking Lived Experience Professional Support Specialists for our new Community Wellness Center (Mental Health) , operating out of Morris County.

The Community Drop-in/ Mental Health Wellness Center (CWC) is a community-based non-medical support center that is designed using a living room model (drop-in center) to serve individuals in a welcoming, safe and stigma free environment . The Community Drop-in/Wellness Centers will offer various optional peer-led groups and activities throughout the day/evening that will enhance wellness and recovery to all individuals from all different backgrounds, including those with mental illness and/ or substance use . When we say lived experience , we mean knowledge based on someone’s perspective, personal identity or that of a family member/friend, and history, beyond their professional or educational experience.

Qualified applicants for the position of Lived Experience Professional Support Specialist will have, at minimum:

• A High School Diploma or GED equivalent plus related life experience.
• The knowledge of and the ability to adhere to SAMHSA's core competencies for peer workers in behavioral health services.
• The ability to engage with individuals.
• The ability to network with a variety of both formal and informal community resources and supports.
• The ability to discuss and educate individuals on substance use.
• General knowledge of community resources available and knowledge on eligibility criteria and requirements.

Under the direction of the Wellness Manager, the Lived Experience Community Resource Navigator will be responsible for:

• Providing culturally competent services related to race , age, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.
• Sharing lived experience while providing strengths-based, person-centered services.
• Providing engagement and skill-building services in a collaborative and caring relationship.
• Providing case management and ongoing linkage to community supports.
• Providing support in recovery planning.
• Providing evidenced-based practices (Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, etc.).
• Providing effective advocacy.
• Assisting with managing crises and de-escalation.
• Promoting the integration of physical and mental health wellness.
• Promoting growth and development.
• Promoting community integration and assisting individuals with utilizing all available community. supports that best meet their needs.
• Attending supervision meetings and agency staff meetings.
• Attending meetings with program partners and community providers.
• Completing Social Determinates of Health and UCLA Loneliness Assessments.

Reports to : The Wellness Manager

#High

Fully paid medical coverage for eligible staff.
Generous 401(k) match.
Plentiful Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal and Sick time.

MHAEM is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is MHAEM’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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