Mental Health Peer Provider

Mental Health Peer Provider

Young County BHC - Graham, TX 76450

Salary Range $11.31 Hourly Position Type Full Time Job Shift 8-5 M-F Education Level High School/GED Travel Percentage Up to 25% Category Health Care

Under the supervision of the supervising QPS and LPHA, this position is responsible for the delivery of support services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, as defined by the state authority, The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Services must be provided in accordance with the Performance Contract, Community Service Standards, HFC policy and procedures, Medicaid standards, and HHSC guidelines.

Applicant must be able to pass a background check.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

The Peer Provider provides support services, serves as a consumer advocate, and provides individuals receiving services information and peer support in an outpatient setting. The Peer Provider will perform a wide range of tasks to assist individuals in regaining control over their own lives and over their own recovery process. These tasks may include recovery and wellness support, mentoring and advocacy.

Assisting an individual in his or her recovery can include but is not limited to individual and group sessions. Peer Provider will model personal responsibility, self-advocacy and hopefulness by sharing their recovery story to help individuals identify and experience recovery in his or her own life. The Peer Provider will support individuals and learning teams (staff and community) providing hope, encouragement, support, self-determination and connection to the community.

Teamwork, initiative and positive example in work habits are expected at all times. This position requires an aptitude for working with severely mentally ill, often impoverished people; and for seeing this as work in which we take great pride. The Mental Health Peer Specialist II should have experience and knowledge of what it is like to live with mental illness as well as a basic understanding of the importance of psychotherapeutic medications and adherence to treatment plans.

HFC incorporates principles of trauma-informed care, which includes cultural sensitivity, in all areas of service delivery. All job descriptions include the responsibility to learn about and implement trauma-informed practices within the scope of work for the position. Reassignment is a condition of employment that may occur at the employer's discretion. Work location and hours could change based on contract and program needs.

Education, Training, and Experience

Graduation from a standard high school or GED. Eligible for certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist according to the State Authority's guidelines and Via Hope policies and procedures (Certifying body). The individual should have one year of successful treatment for a mental health issue and be willing to disclose their lived experience and work toward recovery. Must have valid driver's license and be insurable to drive Center vehicles.

Must pass and maintain all Center mandated trainings. Must obtain certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) within the eighteen months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of programs for persons with behavioral and intellectual challenges, of peer philosophy and role, of recovery models, and of trauma informed care.
• Skill in sharing personal challenges, in listening, and in documenting and monitoring interactions with persons served.
• Ability to write progress notes according to standard with acceptable spelling and grammar.
• Display a customer service orientation; at all times treating patients as equals and partners.
• Ability to work in teams, to follow policies and procedures, to work with persons in challenging situations, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to relate verbal instructions, communicate in a courteous and effective fashion with co-workers, individuals served and families, agencies and the public.
• Skilled in the use of network computers, word processing, database software, Smart Care, as it relates to documenting patient and family contacts.