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Peer Assistant Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Peer Specialist

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

The peer specialist ensures that family voices directly shape service components, outreach ... * Assist families experiencing crisis situations during the week, including outside standard ...

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Peer Assistant information

What skills do you need for peer assistant support?

A peer assistant needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively support and relate to others. They should have good listening abilities, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Basic organizational skills and familiarity with relevant tools or resources are also beneficial.

What is the difference between Peer Assistant vs Peer Mentor?

AspectPeer AssistantPeer Mentor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedHigh school diploma; often additional training or experience
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, peer support programsEducational or community programs, ongoing mentorship roles
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, universities, mental health programsSchools, universities, youth organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Peer Assistants and Peer Mentors both support peers in educational settings, but Peer Assistants typically focus on providing immediate support and assistance, often with minimal training. Peer Mentors usually engage in ongoing guidance and development, often requiring more experience or training. Both roles are vital for fostering supportive environments, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is a peer assistant?

Peer Assistants are students or individuals who provide support, guidance, and resources to their peers within academic, residential, or campus settings. They often help new students adjust to college life, answer questions about campus resources, and offer advice based on their own experiences. Peer Assistants serve as role models, facilitate group activities, and may assist in resolving conflicts or referring students to professional staff when needed. Their main goal is to promote a welcoming and supportive community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Peer Assistant, you need strong interpersonal skills, active listening abilities, and often a background in the specific academic or campus area you are supporting. Familiarity with campus resources, learning management systems, and basic office software is commonly required. Outstanding communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills help you effectively support and guide peers. These competencies enable Peer Assistants to foster a positive environment, enhance student engagement, and contribute to the overall success of their peers.

How does a peer assistant typically support students in managing academic and personal challenges?

Peer Assistants often serve as approachable resources for students, offering guidance on academic strategies, time management, and campus resources. They may facilitate workshops, lead study groups, or provide one-on-one support, depending on the needs of their peers. While not acting as counselors, Peer Assistants are trained to listen empathetically and refer students to professional campus services when more specialized help is needed. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to foster a supportive, inclusive environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Peer jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Peer Assistant jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Peer Assistant job openings:

$20.67/hr

Per diem

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description
PRN Openings Mon - Friday between the hours of 8am - 5pm
POSITION SUMMARY
The Peer Support in Community Support Services provides coordinated care, support, and ongoing interventions to engage participants in community-based living, working in partnership with person served toward individual goal attainment based on developed goals and objectives identified in their treatment plan. Peer Support works individually and within groups, with support of team within the strengths-based model.
Reporting to the Team Manager of Peer Support, this position ensures high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive service delivery consistent with the mission and standards of Astra Mental Health and Recovery, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
Peer Support promotes service excellence, professional growth, and accountability of daily operations and services in collaboration with Program and Team Managers. This role also supports Astra's commitment to Access, Comprehensive Care, Excellent Outcomes, and Sustainability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Service Expectations and Responsibilities
  • Engage in the daily review of participants in Community Support Services providing individual, family, and group assessment and education to individuals across the lifespan.
  • Ensure that individuals seeking services are triaged promptly for risk and acuity and receive timely assignment either in-person or via secure telehealth.
  • Meet with Peer Support Team bi-weekly to coordinate care needs of service participants.
  • Meet with assigned CSS Team to provide consultation and coordinate care needs of service participants.
  • Monitor service needs, caseload distribution, and scheduling to ensure access, timeliness, and quality within the team-based model and based on participant needs.
  • Provide consultation and support to Program and Team Managers and fellow Team Members regarding treatment planning, evidence-based practices, and documentation.
  • Engage family and significant others to the extent possible in the planning and implementation of the treatment plan.
  • Provide Parent Peer Support as deemed appropriate for support to the family/caregiver of and with permission of individual served.
  • Provide crisis intervention as needed and back-up coverage.
  • Support the implementation of Astra's trauma-informed and person-centered care framework across all Community Support Services.
  • Maintain compliance with CCBHC, KDADS, and Medicaid standards for assessment, treatment, and documentation.
  • Assist the Program Manager and Team Managers with data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives to promote clinical and operational excellence.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of operational and service driven workflows and service protocols.
  • Promote interdisciplinary collaboration with case management, access, medical, and crisis services to support continuity of care.

Performance Management
  • Participate in regular supervision and annual performance evaluations with Program and Team Managers.
  • Provide and receive ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to improve performance and confidence.
  • Identify areas for development and create individualized professional growth plans as needed.
  • The performance standard for providing person served direct service is 50%, staff development and leave will be deducted from available work hours.

Resource and Workflow Management
  • Manage caseloads and responsibilities based on staff expertise, licensure, and workload with the shared approach of the Peer Support Team.
  • Support efficient use of staff and physical resources while maintaining service quality.

Decision-Making
  • Exercise sound judgment in service coordination and individual care decisions, utilizing support of Program and Team Managers.
  • Resolve conflicts promptly and collaboratively within the team.
  • Contribute to departmental and programmatic planning and improvement efforts.

Communication
  • Facilitate effective communication across the CSS team and with other Astra departments.
  • Participate in regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to ensure open communication and accountability.
  • Report progress, challenges, and outcomes to the Program Manager - Peer Support.

Hiring and Training
  • Participate and/or support the recruitment and onboarding of new CSS staff.

Compliance and Safety
  • Ensure adherence to Astra's policies, procedures, and professional ethical standards.
  • Monitor compliance with state and federal regulations, including confidentiality, safety, and risk management protocols.
  • Maintain a safe and inclusive work environment and encourage staff self-care and wellness.

Other Duties
  • Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence
  • Approach interactions with individuals served and colleagues with a trauma sensitive lens
  • Acts as an ambassador of the agency in the community setting, which may include doing public educational and informational presentations.
  • Support and actively promote the vision and mission of the agency and the philosophy of the strengths perspective
  • Completes required trainings
  • Other duties as assigned, as qualified and trained for.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Licensure:
  • Complete certification through WSU - becoming Level I and Level II certified Peer Support.
  • Must successfully pass Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Central Registry, and all required background checks.
  • Valid Kansas driver's license, good driving record, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation required.

Experience:
  • Minimum of one (1) years post crisis intervention/hospital.
  • Open to sharing story and self-identifying with individuals served.
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
  • Principles of trauma-informed care, and evidence-based treatment.
  • CCBHC standards for access, assessment, treatment, and documentation.
  • Behavioral health best practices and outcome measurement tools.
  • Medicaid and KDADS compliance requirements.
Skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to coach and motivate staff toward excellence.
  • Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and data monitoring.
  • Effective organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
Abilities
  • Model Astra's trauma-informed and person-centered values.
  • Build trust and maintain collaborative relationships within the team and across departments.
  • Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Other Physical Requirements:
• Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for communication and supervision.
• Occasional lifting of materials (up to 25 lbs).
• Tolerance for active, occasionally high-stress environments typical of clinical service delivery.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position operates primarily within Astra's Community Support Services, with expected travel to other sites or community locations. The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven, requiring adaptability and reflective leadership.
Peer Support models Astra's trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented philosophy, ensuring services are accessible, coordinated, and delivered with compassion and excellence.
Astra Mental Health and Recovery is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious practices, in accordance with applicable law and guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Astra does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, training, corrective action, and termination.