Peer Support Specialist - Mental Health Prineville

Overview

Peer Support Specialist - Mental Health Prineville at Bestcare Treatment Services. The role provides support to outpatient mental health clients engaged in services, including those recently discharged from subacute/residential treatment or psychiatric hospitalization, clients with serious mental health issues, and individuals at higher risk with self-harm or suicidality. The Specialist facilitates recovery skill development, supports clients in directing their own recovery process, and collaborates with the treatment team to promote personal goals.

• Direct interactions with clients assigned to peer support services; act as a role model to inspire hope and share appropriate life experiences.
• Conduct telephone contacts to provide support, remind clients of assessments, groups, sessions, and appointments; assist with accessing Best Care services.
• Transportation of clients to appointments when approved by supervisor, including to/from acute care or residential treatment and to access benefits at external agencies as needed.
• Identify clients’ abilities and assets and help them recognize and use them.
• Identify barriers to participation and work on strategies to overcome them.
• Monitor clients in residential or higher levels of care to maintain connection with Crook outpatient services.
• Provide referrals to services such as Food Bank, LINC, primary care, community college, parenting, etc., as appropriate.
• Provide case management services as needed.
• Attend program and staff meetings, supervision, and participate in groups and other treatment activities as needed.
• Help clients connect to community-based pro-social or wellness-oriented recovery activities.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic health system (EHS) within stated timelines.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Work in alignment with Best Care’s mission, vision, and values.
• Support a culture of openness, cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for all individuals.
• Strive to meet program/department goals and support organizational strategic goals.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and other policies and compliance needs.
• Understand and maintain professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon statutes.
• Attend required meetings and complete training timely; ensure certifications/licenses are current.
• Work independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Perform other organizational duties as needed.

• Knowledge of mental illness, substance-use disorders, disabilities, and recovery resources.
• Ability to engage clients compassionately in mental health treatment services.
• Proficiency with MS Office 365, EHR platforms, databases, virtual meeting tools, internet, and ability to learn new software.
• Ability to assess and manage crisis situations using verbal de-escalation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Clear written and oral communication; strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines. Critical thinking skills.
• Maintain strict confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon statutes.
• Ability to build positive relationships and work in a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; flexible in crisis situations; capable of conflict resolution.

Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Must meet Oregon Administrative Rules definition of a peer: an individual with similar life experience (current or former recipient of addictions or mental health services, or a family member of someone who is).
• For individuals in recovery from substance-use disorder, must have maintained continuous recovery for the previous two years at the time of hire.

• Licenses and Certifications: Must hold a Peer Support Specialist certification from a state-approved training program or have the ability/commitment to obtain within six months with referral to IPS training by Best Care.
• Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire, and be insurable under the organization’s auto liability policy (minimum 21 years of age, no Type A violations in the past 3 years, and fewer than three Type B violations).

• Priority will be given to applicants currently certified.
• Lived experience and understanding of homelessness is preferred but not required.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.

Salary: $18.00 - $23.62 per hour

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Other

Industry: Hospitals and Health Care