Peer Support Specialist

Job Status: Full-time

Functional areas/departments where this position may be located:

• Community Health and Research Center

• →Engage and enroll clients in intervention and support services
• →Utilize program tools to develop a person-centered, individualized plan of service for each client, which will be used to identify goals, address barriers, and monitor progress towards recovery and self-sufficiency
• →Assist clients in recognizing and understanding “at risk” behaviors and coach client on redirecting those behaviors
• →Complete initial and follow-up review processes and necessary documentation related to services provided
• →Advocate on behalf of client in written and oral form when providing necessary referrals and contacts with other departments/agencies/companies
• →Coordinate delivery of benefits and various services the client was referred to ensure participation and program compliance based on assigned program
• →Provide peer coaching to clients in one-on-one or group settings to improve overall functioning, interpersonal relationships, integration into community, and support clients’ efforts to meet their individual and program goals
• →Administer testing as needed - depending upon assigned functional area, this may include blood testing and the coordination of administering, preparing, and shipping samples and receiving test results
• →Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate client referral sources
• →Maintain currency on new services and referral sources as well as services provided to clients
• →Maintain program policies and procedures per funding guidelines
• →Maintain agency confidentiality and client privacy
• →Follow the funding sources requirements and CARF standards applicable to the services provided
• →May conduct presentations and awareness campaigns in order to raise awareness of services offered and increase participation
• →May support recruitment efforts for assigned program area
• →May translate and interpret information for non-English speaking clients as needed
• →Routine contact with internal and external clients is required to obtain, clarify, or provide facts and information
• →Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
• →Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Community resources including social services agencies and crisis intervention providers
• Processes, rules and regulations of various services and funding agencies surrounding the eligibility and maintenance of the services being received
• HIPAA regulations based on assigned functional area

Skill in:

• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office
• Community Outreach/Activism
• Mentoring

Ability to:

• Self-identify as a person who lived experience with assigned functional area and is prepared to use that experience in helping others
• Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives
• Facilitate meetings, ensuring that all viewpoints, ideas, and problems are addressed
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Speak and write in English. Ability to interpret, speak and write in Arabic, Spanish or other native language of the predominant service population is preferred
• Receive general guidance and direction to perform a variety of non-routine tasks and responsibilities
• Resolve most questions and problems and refers new or unusual issues to a higher level
• Maintain confidentiality of agency and client information

• Minimum Degree Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

~and~

• At least one year of experience working in social services or any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources
• Actively in recovery with (3-5) years lived experience in the field or other lived experience approved by Human Resources
• Background check must show that candidate is fully off of probation/parole for a minimum of two years before date of hire.

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:
  • Valid Driver’s license
  • Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) MDHHS
• Licenses/Certifications Required upon hire or no later than 90 days from Date of Hire:
  • QMHP Adults - 5 hours within 90 days after the first day of employment, or
  • QMHP Children – 24 hours within 90 days after the first day of employment

• Licenses/Certifications Required no later than 6 months from Date of Hire (Contingent on training availability, new hire must establish and develop a plan with supervisor as part of onboarding process):
  • Peer Support Specialist certification
  • Certified Mental Health Fist Aid (MHFA)

Hours: Normal business hours, some additional hours may be required. Non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends, may be required based on assigned functional area

Travel Required: Local, in-state, and national travel may be required based on approval from supervisor only

Working Environment: Climate controlled office.