Peer Support Worker

Job Details: Job Location: Newton PV - Newton, KS, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Zero Suicide Trainer & Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Zero Suicide Trainer & Peer Support Specialist is responsible for advancing suicide prevention initiatives through education, early intervention, and peer support services. This position focuses on implementing evidence-based suicide prevention programs within schools and community settings using QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) frameworks. The role also provides peer support services to individuals identified as high risk for suicide, promoting safety, recovery, connection to care, and ongoing emotional support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Suicide Prevention Training & Education

· Deliver QPR and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings to school staff, students, community members and/or organizations, and internally to Prairie View staff, as needed
· Facilitate educational workshops focused on suicide awareness, stigma reduction, crisis response, and mental wellness.
· Coordinate and implement school-based early intervention and suicide prevention initiatives.
· Support implementation of prevention and postvention strategies.
· Provide consultation and resources to educators and caregivers regarding mental health concerns and suicide risk factors.
· Maintain training records, participant evaluations, and certification documentation.
· Stay current on evidence-based suicide prevention practices and Zero Suicide initiatives.

Peer Support Services

· Provide trauma-informed, recovery-oriented peer support to individuals identified as high risk for suicide.
· Establish trusting relationships through lived experience, empathy, encouragement, and active listening.
· Support individuals in developing coping skills, wellness strategies, and personal safety plans.
· Assist clients with accessing behavioral health, crisis, medical, and community resources.
· Conduct follow-up outreach and engagement to encourage continuity of care and reduce barriers to treatment.
· Document peer support activities and maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policies and HIPAA regulations.

Program Support & Community Engagement

· Participate in community outreach events promoting suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
· Collaborate with healthcare systems, crisis response teams, and community agencies to strengthen suicide prevention networks.
· Assist with data collection, reporting, and program evaluation activities.
· Support implementation of Zero Suicide framework components across organizational settings.
· Participate in ongoing supervision, team meetings, and professional development opportunities.

 
Qualifications: Education & Experience

· Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
· Experience working in behavioral health, schools, crisis intervention, peer support, or suicide prevention programs preferred.
· Lived experience with mental health recovery and suicide recovery preferred for peer support component.

Certifications

· Certified QPR Instructor or ability to obtain certification within designated timeframe.
· Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor certification or ability to obtain.
· Certified Peer Support Specialist certification preferred or required based on state regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

· Knowledge of suicide prevention best practices, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care.
· Strong presentation, facilitation, and public speaking skills.
· Ability to engage youth, families, schools, and community partners effectively.
· Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
· Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
· Strong crisis de-escalation and problem-solving abilities.
· Proficiency with electronic documentation and Microsoft Office applications.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Working Conditions

· Travel to schools, community sites, healthcare facilities, and partner agencies may be required.
· Flexible scheduling, including occasional evenings or weekends for trainings and community events.
· Position may involve exposure to individuals experiencing emotional distress or crisis situations.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to sit, stand, and present for extended periods.
· Ability to travel locally and transport training materials as needed.
· Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by phone.