Certified Peer Support Specialist

Salary: $18.41 per hour. Sign on bonus may be available.

Shift
: M-F 8am - 5pm;
Assigned work hours may change as the needs of the agency and clients change

Driving required
: Y

Settings
: office, field

Peer Specialists provide services under the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model which offers a more comprehensive, holistic, and integrated model of treatment. Mental Health Peer support services are services designed and delivered by individuals who have experienced a mental challenge and are in recovery or family members of those who have experienced a mental health challenge and are in recovery.

Peer support services foster hope and promote a belief in the possibility of recovery. The Mental Health Peer Specialist assists individuals with mental illness throughout the recovery process, helps individuals gains skills to promote recovery, helps individuals access resources, and helps individuals regain confidence to succeed in society. Mental Health Peer Specialists will work closely with other staff to help individuals navigate services entry, close gaps in services, provide transportation, and to access resources in the community.

By providing assistance in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner, this position helps individuals to better understand their own situations and develop coping mechanisms to make positive change.

This position works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

Education Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

Required:

At least 1 year of experience working with individuals with mental illness.

Registration, Certification, Licensure or other Qualifications

Required:

• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to Permia Care's insurance requirements.
• Required to pass criminal history and background checks as well as pre-employment drug screen.
• Must obtain Mental Health Peer Specialist certification within 6 months.

• Provide direct support services to clients as directed by supervisor including help patients navigate Permia Care and other systems within the community, use evidence-based models to enhance the delivery of peer support services, transport individuals, assist with understanding and communicating with medical personnel.
• Provide holistic care across the health spectrum by addressing all needs identified by client.
• Provide indirect support services to clients as directed by supervisor.
• Encourage and/or include participation of family members and others important to the client, subject to privacy and confidentiality requirements and client's consent.
• Provide individual and group peer support services to consumers with severe and persistent mental illness (if applicable.)
• Participate in Advisory Committees as assigned.
• Be supportive of client and encourage them to utilize choice and voice in their treatment and recovery goals.
• Facilitate the development of a sense of wellness and self-worth in clients.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to peers who are struggling.
• Listen to peers and offer advice or resources to help them cope with difficult situations.
• Assist peers in identifying and accessing available resources in the community.
• Advocate for the rights of peers and ensure their safety.
• Document peer interactions, conversations and progress.
• Education peers on topics such as mental health, substance use and self-care.
• Meet unit performance measures or targets.
• Maintain assigned caseload of individuals with mental illness.
• Coordinate services to designated caseload.
• Enter accurate and appropriate documentation of services within timeframe required.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive records and treatment information, client files and protected health information in compliance with HIPAA, laws, rules and regulations, and established procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable physical on-site attendance. Regular attendance, dependability, and promptness are required for the scheduled work day 100% of the time, to ensure consistency and completeness of program's processes.
• Comply with the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation policy and reporting requirements.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior policy requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with individuals served and their families, supervisors, co-workers and visitors by demonstrating cooperative, courteous and respectful behavior at all times.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor.
• Open and process mail/email in atimely manner.
• Answer phone, collect phone messages and respond to requests timely and accurately.
• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.
• Perform all work functions and interactions using a trauma informed approach.
• Display professionalism when representing Permia Care and the program in the…