Peer Recovery Support Specialist; PRSS Homeless Outreach Team

Job Summary

PRSS works toward the development of natural supports and necessary coping skills for clients to function as independently as possible in the community. PRSS must have experience as a recipient of mental health or substance use services. PRSS provides peer counseling to clients while promoting self-determination in the treatment process. Services are predominantly delivered to adults with serious mental illness, substance abuse, co‑occurring and/or medically co‑morbid diagnoses.

Family & Children’s Services utilizes the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model of care. As a member of a multi‑disciplinary care team, you will support clients by providing whole‑person care with this transformative model.

Serve adult clients, age 18 and older, diagnosed with a severe mental illness, substance use disorder, or co‑occurring disorder and who are also experiencing homelessness.

• Office and field‑based services with regular transportation of clients with case managers using agency or personal vehicles
• Provide a variety of services for identified needs, including but not limited to:
  • Teach and mentor the value of each individual’s recovery experience individually and in a group setting
  • Model effective coping techniques and self‑help strategies
  • Proactively engage clients in services
  • Possess communication skills to teach new concepts and ideas to others
  • Assist in setting up and sustaining self‑help (mutual support) groups
  • Support clients in using a WRAP – Wellness Recovery Action Plan or Psychiatric Advanced Directive
  • Assist in building social skills in the community that will enhance quality of life
  • Support the development of natural support systems
  • Possess knowledge about various mental health settings and community resources (e.g., local shelter, housing, food pantry, vocational resources, and other homeless resources)
• Provide services in person or via telehealth platforms
• Services range in intensity from monthly contact to weekly/daily contact
• Embed outreach and other services in alternate locations and with community providers to reduce barriers to access
• Work with clients with active mental health symptoms and within their treatment preferences
• Meet clients where they are in the community, including homeless shelters, private homes, or outdoors, promoting confidentiality in all settings
• Demonstrate comfort and flexibility while working with clients in difficult life circumstances, which may include individuals living in substandard conditions
• Gather and complete all CCBHC data metrics for homeless population served

• Education: Must be a high school graduate or have high‑school equivalent
• Experience: Minimum one‑year specialized experience as a recipient of mental health services for mental illness and experience working with adults with mental illness

• Communication
• Decision Making
• Engagement
• Initiative and Accountability
• Interpersonal
• Learning
• Organizational Alignment
• Quality of Work

• Adaptability:
  The ability to adjust to changing priorities, unexpected situations, and new challenges while remaining productive and effective.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  The ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with clients, families, caregivers, colleagues, and community partners.
• Initiative:
  The ability to work independently with limited supervision and produce results in a timely, accurate and meaningful manner.
• Cooperation:
  The ability to work effectively with others is important for successful multidisciplinary teamwork. This includes the ability to work cooperatively, to contribute positively to group dynamics, and to share knowledge and resources.
• Critical Thinking:
  The ability to solve complex problems and make informed decisions by objectively assessing information, evaluating available resources, considering multiple perspectives, and applying sound judgment.
• Professional Boundaries:
  The ability to establish clear limits to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards while interacting with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders. Strong boundaries ensure an…