Peer Advocate Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Title: Peer Certified Case Manager

Reports to: Community Support Program Coordinator

Department: Community Support Program

Classification: Non-Exempt: Union

Date Created/Revised: 10/6/25

Position Overview:

Staff maintains a case load of community support level of care clients with severe persistent mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. Staff will hold a Peer certification from one the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services approved agencies- (CCAR, Advocacy Unlimited or Hartford Healthcare). He/she is capable of working independently in the community, providing services to the assigned case load. Annually, each of these clients will receive direct service hours, focusing on skills teaching, advocacy, and recovery support. These persons served (PS) can be recognized as stable psychiatrically, and need only minimal support to maintain recovery up to in need of considerable behavioral interventions in order to maintain community living and achieve recovery. These clients in general will be accessing many services, including but not limited to, psychiatric care, outpatient therapy and/or intensive inpatient services. These clients may also be actively involved with the criminal justice system and/ or the Department of Children and Families.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain a valid Peer Certification from one of the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services approved agencies. Communicate any training needs to adhere to training requirements associated with the certification.
• Provides service delivery including contact hours and location of services dictated by DMHAS Fidelity Scale.
• Documentation including functional assessments and updates, recovery plans, and encounter notes are completed thoroughly, in a timely manner, and in line with the DMHAS Fidelity Scale.
• Demonstrates an understanding and appropriate use of Stages of Changes, Motivational Interviewing, Skills Based Interventions. Demonstrates knowledge of mutual support groups available in the community.
• Participates in Team Meetings as assigned, attends meetings prepared to discuss relevant client issues and treatment plan goals. Works collaboratively with the Client Accounts Administrator to support Persons Served for whom SCSI is Representative Payee. Identifies need for reduced level of care ensuring that transition to Recovery Pathways is completed in a timely fashion.
• Facilitates yearly reassessments as necessary.
• Attends mandatory PSRB Acquittee Fundamental Training Program and refresher courses in accordance with DMHAS requirements. Attends all other agency assigned trainings when designated.
• Identifies need to discharge from services in a timely manner ensuring that documentation is completed. Maintains record of client contact and updates information in the electronic client record.
• Develops and reviews recovery plans with Persons Served and assigned team members.
• Provides advocacy and crisis intervention services as indicated by the treatment plan.
• Assures appropriate entitlements are in place and assists PS in completing necessary paperwork to apply or reapply for benefits.
• Facilitate a bi-weekly recovery orientated groups.
• Support Colleagues within the Case Management programs with any peer questions to assist with PS.
• Develops linkages and follow-up programs for other agency-based support services and/or other community resources. Supports families as needed in understanding the impact of mental illness.

Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and climb stairs. The employee frequently is required to walk, talk and/or hear; Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person at normal volumes; Vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc. The employee is occasionally required to stand and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this position include the ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:

Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Education, Psychology, or related field, plus a minimum of two (2) years providing care management services to individuals with behavioral health needs. Eligible or holds a current Peer Certificate from one of the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services approved agencies- (CCAR, Advocacy Unlimited or Heartford Healthcare). . Additional years of experience can be substituted for a degree at management’s discretion. For peer employees, a High School Diploma or GED, with a required completion of the DMHAS Recovery University program and three (3) years providing care management services to individuals with behavioral health needs. Current Motor Vehicle Drivers' license and automobile available for use during the workday required. Competent use of technology including e-mail, agency intranet and the electronic client record. Demonstrated ability to work with clients in the field teaching skills necessary for community living and supporting recovery. Excellent written and oral communication skills. CPR/First Aid Certified or eligible.

Sound Community Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V