Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

Overview

The ACCS Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope and the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live successfully in the community. Provides Peer Support Services; helps PS explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in goals.

Responsibilities

• Implements Peer Support-oriented Treatment Plan interventions with PS.
• Shares personal experiences; provides support, education, and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions.
• Engage PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
• Assists PS in linking to other community services and build Recovery and support networks outside the service system.
• Facilitates Peer Support groups and connects PS with recovery tools and resources.
• Provides information and training on recovery and self-management plans and strategies, including facilitating completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
• Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS and maintains close contact with PS who struggle with engagement.
• Promotes healthcare and employment services access for PS.
• Promotes engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service.
• Helps maximize choices available to PS as well as their self-determination and participation in planning, delivery and evaluation of treatment and support services.
• Assists PS in strengthening relationships with chosen family and friends.
• Helps PS develop self-advocacy skills, individually or in groups.
• Provides on-going problem solving, skill training, and side-by-side support to help PS improve daily living skills.
• Teaches and consults with ACCS staff to reinforce and improve their understanding of recovery values and person-centered language.
• Uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, WRAP, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches.
• Visits all GLE and SIE settings regularly to provide Peer Support.
• Facilitates Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups.
• Engages as a member of the Peer Specialist Community of Practice Workgroup.
• Completes documentation in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Willing to use and share personal, practical experience of recovery process, wellness management, and commitment required for PS to have a full and satisfying life in the community.
• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive needed resources and support.
• Knowledge of Peer Support and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards and practices.
• Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, principles and modalities.
• Knowledge of Peer Support practices and ethical standards.
• Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with persons served by ACCS.
• Commitment to maintain confidentiality of persons served.
• Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques.
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender differences of persons served.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques.
• Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of persons served.
• Knowledge of community and other resources.
• Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.

Qualifications

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's degree preferred. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Driving Requirements: Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort: Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications: CPR is required within the first two weeks of hire. First Aid is required within two weeks of hire.

Required Credentials/Licenses: Certified Peer Specialist credential required within 12 months of hire.