Forensic Peer Specialist - State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) (Hybrid) - Lawrenceville, GA.

View Point Health

Job Title: Forensic Peer Specialist

Job Code: SST012/Social Services Tech 3

Shift: Full-Time (40 hours per week on average)

Job Hours: Times May Vary

Base Location: Hybrid

Division/Department/Program: Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP)

View Point Health is a community behavioral health center utilizing a team of psychiatrists, nurses, licensed counselors and social workers, as well as other professionals to provide services to individuals who need treatment and support to cope with mental illness, substance abuse, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. View Point Health serves uninsured, underinsured, low-income Medicaid, Medicare, war veterans and some private insurance across multiple locations with a full continuum of behavioral health services and support.

View Point Health is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Forensic Peer Specialist (FPS) to provide support to individuals impacted by gun violence, including victims and, when appropriate, perpetrators of gun-related crimes (Adults and Adolescents).

The Forensic Peer Specialist (FPS) will provide trauma-informed peer support, psychoeducation, and resource navigation to individuals affected by violence. The specialist will engage victims in meaningful conversations about trauma, connect them to community resources, and support their recovery journey. This role requires close collaboration with healthcare providers, law enforcement, schools, and community partners to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care while supporting crisis response services.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Make initial contact with individuals who may benefit from the program.
• Complete the screening process and assist individuals with program enrollment.
• Engage victims of gun violence and, when appropriate, perpetrators in supportive conversations.
• Build trust and rapport with individuals and families impacted by gun violence.
• Serve as a role model of recovery and demonstrate recovery-oriented principles.
• Provide direct peer support to victims of gun violence and their families.

• Facilitate meaningful discussions that address trauma, emotional needs, and recovery goals.
• Use lived experience with recovery to encourage hope, resilience, and empowerment.
• Utilize a person-centered approach when engaging individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring conditions.
• Provide trauma-informed and culturally competent services.
• Connect individuals to community resources and support services.

• Provide linkage to behavioral health treatment and recovery support services.
• Assist individuals with developing life skills that support independence and stability.
• Support individuals in identifying resources related to housing, employment, transportation, and benefits when appropriate.
• Provide psychoeducation on firearm violence and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
• Assist in developing and maintaining peer-led support groups for individuals and families impacted by gun violence.
• Support the implementation of gun violence prevention programs for juvenile offenders.
• Participate in and co-facilitate training programs for community partners.
• Collaborate with Care Coordinators and multidisciplinary teams.
• Work closely with community partners including law enforcement, schools, hospitals, and healthcare providers.
• Participate in coordinated community response efforts to support individuals impacted by gun violence.
• Complete timely documentation in the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system.
• Maintain accurate records of services provided.
• Monitor and track trauma engagement and progress for individuals served.
• Contribute to monthly reports detailing numbers served, services provided, and program outcomes.
• Other program related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma/GED and three (3) years of job-related experience in a social services-related position; or one (1) year of experience at the lower-level Social Services Technician 2 (SST011) or position equivalent.

• Certified Forensic Peer Specialist in the State of Georgia with lived experience in both mental health/substances use recovery and the criminal justice system, providing mentorship to individuals currently involved in the legal syste.
• Has been in recovery from mental illness and/or substance use for at least three years and has had successful employment for at least two years.

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds. ?
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and practices. ?
• Ability to work collaboratively with community partners and stakeholders. ?
• Experience working with victims of trauma and individuals involved in the criminal justice system. ?
• Familiarity with behavioral health services and community resources. ?
• Experience facilitating support groups or providing psychoeducation.
• Organizational skills to manage resources, track progress, and maintain documentation. ?

Requirements/Competencies:

• Positions require the ability to do any of the following at any given time including but not limited to: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
• Staff may be subjected to odors, dust, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises and travel.
• This position may require on call assignments, or working weekends, holidays, 10-hour, 12-hour, and rotating shifts.
• Schedule is based on Law Enforcement Agency Needs can include on call after hour weekend coverage.
• Must be comfortable with Law Enforcement and riding in a police car.
• Must be aware and comfortable in a police environment.
• Must be able to work in crises situations
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds.
• Requires long periods of sitting/standing.
• Must have valid Georgia driver’s license and Motor Vehicle Record in accordance with company policy.
• Candidates for selection must pass a criminal background check (including fingerprinting).
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and subject to random drug screens.

Note: Some positions may require a valid driver's license.

Benefits (for qualified employees):

• State Health Benefits Package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, long-term care, legal services, flexible spending accounts)
• Company contributes 7.5% of salary to 401(a) Retirement Plan
• Generous PTO – plus 9 holidays per year – and a paid Cultural/Spiritual/Service Day!
• No employee deduction for Social Security – means more money in your paycheck!
• Additional benefits such as legal services, Employee Assistance Program and discounted tickets to attractions, shopping, technology, and travel.
• Qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Clinical supervision, training, and continuing education opportunities available.
• Flexible hours available, including telehealth from home!