Director of Peer Support

Overview

Mind the Frontline is a leading organization dedicated to providing mental health support and resources to frontline workers. We are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to join our team as a Peer Support Director. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for overseeing the Peer Support Responder and Peer Support Specialist programs, ensuring the effective delivery of crisis intervention and long-term support services.

Responsibilities

• Program Oversight
  

  • Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Peer Support Responder and Specialist roles.

  • Develop, implement, and refine program policies, procedures, and protocols in alignment with industry best evidence based practices and the organization's mission.
    
    

• Team Leadership
  

  • Lead and manage a team of Peer Support Responders and Specialists, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and compassionate care.

  • Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members, promoting their professional growth and development.
    
    

• Crisis Intervention

  • Oversee the crisis intervention process, ensuring timely and effective responses to individuals seeking mental health support through hotlines, hubspot, and social media outlets.

  • Review and assess crisis situations, providing guidance to Peer Support Specialists for complex cases.
    
    

• Training and Development
  

  • Design and implement training programs for Peer Support Responders and Specialists, including crisis intervention techniques, mental health awareness, and effective communication skills.

  • Facilitate ongoing training to enhance the team's ability to provide high-quality support to frontline workers.
    
    

• Progression Criteria and Advancement
  

  • Establish clear criteria and performance indicators for progression from Peer Support Responder to Peer Support Specialist, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

  • Evaluate applicants' integration of professional expertise and personal experiences to provide impactful support, ensuring fair and consistent advancement.
    
    

• Resource Management
  

  • Coordinate resources required for crisis intervention, including collaborating with mental health specialists, managing schedules for 24/7 support, and arranging travel when necessary.
    
    

• Quality Assurance
  

  • Implement systems to monitor and evaluate the quality of crisis intervention and long-term support provided by the Peer Support team.

  • Analyze data and feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
    
    

• Collaboration
  

  • Collaborate closely with other departments within Mind the Frontline to ensure a holistic approach to mental health support for frontline workers.

  • Engage in cross-functional initiatives to enhance the organization's impact and reach.

Requirements

• Advanced degree i:e (Master's degree, NP, PhD, etc) in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Mental Health, or a related field preferred or currently enrolled in a program that focuses on first responder mental health and wellbeing.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in mental health support, crisis intervention, or a related field. 

• Proven experience in program management, team leadership, and staff development.

• Strong understanding of mental health issues and effective strategies for providing support.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

• Active First Responder status and previous experience in a peer support role is preferred.

• Completion of the SAMSHA online training 

  • Service to Self 

  • Creating Safe Scenes

• Completion of Death Communication® Training for First Responders - ER.

• NAEMT Certification of the Mental Health Resilience Officer course is preferred.

Skills & Attributes 

• Excellent crisis intervention skills and the ability to provide immediate support to individuals in crisis.

• Strong knowledge of mental health issues and crisis mitigation techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate professional expertise and personal experiences to provide impactful support.

• Empathy and the ability to establish a supportive and trusting relationship with individuals seeking assistance.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure and fast-paced environments.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.

If you are dedicated to making a positive impact on the mental well-being of frontline workers and possess strong leadership and program management skills, we invite you to join our team as a Peer Support Director at Mind the Frontline. Together, we can empower those who serve our communities to thrive and heal.