Certified Peer Specialist; CPS - Gwinnett Co. Jail In-Reach Program - Lawrenceville, GA.

Certified Peer Specialist – Gwinnett County Jail In‑Reach Program – Lawrenceville, GA (Security)

Job Title: Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
Job Code: SST
010 / Client Support Worker 1
Shift: Full‑time (40 hours per week on average)
Location: Lawrenceville, GA – Gwinnett County Jail In‑Reach Program

View Point Health is a community behavioral health center that partners with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office to run a Jail In‑Reach Program. The program is designed to embed a care coordinator and a forensic peer specialist within the Gwinnett County Detention Center (GCDC) to engage incarcerated individuals, screen for behavioral health challenges, and create a strengths‑based post‑release plan of care.

The goal is to reduce the length of incarceration and limit repeat incarcerations through integrated community services.

• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment/service plans.
• Utilize personal recovery experience to support clients in meeting daily recovery goals and during crisis episodes.
• Coordinate and monitor services including mental health treatment, substance use services, housing, medical care, employment, and other supports.
• Advocate for client access to resources, services, and benefits.
• Maintain regular contact with clients via community visits, office appointments, and phone check‑ins.
• Facilitate access to emergency interventions when needed.
• Participate in case conferences, team meetings, and supervision sessions.
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with community service providers.
• Perform brief mental health and substance use intake and screening.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with agency, state, and funding requirements.
• Collaborate with internal clinical staff, external providers, families, and legal representatives to ensure integrated care.
• Educate clients and families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available supports.
• Crisis intervention and de‑escalation as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• High school diploma/GED and one year of job‑related experience in a social services‑related position.

• Minimum of 12 years experience in a mental health, social services, or community‑based setting.
• Strong understanding of community mental health systems and recovery‑oriented services.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Proficient in documentation and use of electronic health records (EHRs).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (if travel is required).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Persistently Mentally Ill population, ACT teams, or individuals identified as frequent users of ERs, psychiatric hospitals, crisis stabilization units, and the criminal justice system.
• Case management experience.
• Experience working in a high‑stressed, fast‑paced environment with a very emotionally and physically changing population.
• Experience working in multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Ability to multi‑task and manage time.
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English & Spanish (Bilingual).

Positions require the ability to perform a variety of physical tasks and work in a dynamic environment, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and other 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.

Candidates must be comfortable with law enforcement and riding in a police car, be aware of, and comfortable in a police environment, and be able to work in crisis situations. Candidates must be able to lift 20 pounds. Must have a valid Georgia driver’s license and motor vehicle record in accordance with company policy. Candidates must pass a criminal background check (including…