General Summary:

Under the direction and guidance of the assigned Department individuals in the Recovery Coach/Peer Support Specialist Recovery Coach/Peer Support Specialist position are individuals with a strong personal knowledge of what it is like to have first-hand lived experience with a mental health condition that has caused a substantial life disruption and serve to inspire hope while providing supports to others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding and respect, they support people to become and stay engaged in the recovery process. Beneficiaries of these supports share mutual experiences in their journey of recovery with the Recovery Coach/Peer Support Specialist.

Essential Functions:

1. Provides a welcoming, calm, courteous presence Is able and willing to share their story through their lived experience of moving from hopelessness to hope.
2. Applies and models the five stages of recovery to assist beneficiaries in achieving their personal recovery goals.
3. Responds to individuals in crisis with high level engagement and de-escalation skills which support a least restrictive environment for individuals experiencing an emergency related to a mental health challenge.
4. Reviews social determinants of health and makes appropriate referrals to address needs and eliminate social barriers to recovery.
5. Provides peer support to consumers and their affected family members to navigate the mental health system and help the consumer build natural and family support.
6. Co-facilitates with the beneficiary in development and implementation of recovery goals in the individual plan of service completed through a person-centered planning process.
7. Facilitates integration of physical and mental health care, including the development of wellness plans.
8. Develops, implements and provides health and wellness supports to address preventable risk factors for chronic conditions.
9. Advocates and assists with opportunities to engage in self-directed care.
10. Develops, implements and facilitates support groups.
11. Provides supportive services during and after crises.
12. Supports beneficiaries in completing psychiatric advance directives.
13. Accesses benefits utilizing available public assistance, which may include housing assistance and support.
14. Navigates challenging and complex systems of care to link and engage the beneficiary to community resources and formal/informal supports including vocational assistance and support.
15. Promotes, improving and educating whole health and self-management of chronic conditions.
16. Actively engage with individuals who have criminal justice involvement.

Required Education/Certification/Licensure:

Peer Support Specialist, Peer Recovery Coach, or other equivalent as identified in Michigan Medicaid Provider Manual - individual who:

• Has been awarded a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Meets the MDHHS application approval process for specialized training and certification.
• Has Peer Support Specialist Certification, within one year of hire.
• Has been a recipient of mental health treatment and/or services for at least one year, with a substantial life disruption due to their mental health/Substance Use Disorder condition. Is willing and able to self-identify as a person who has or is receiving behavioral health services and is prepared to use that experience in helping others.
• Had personal lived experience in navigating complex treatment systems and is able to share personal experience with others.
• Must possess a valid U.S. motor vehicle operator's license, and successfully complete motor vehicle record check.

Preferred Education/Certification/Licensure:

• Certified in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) approved curriculum and training model.
• Certified in Whole Health Action Management.
• Certified in evidenced based Group model of Recovery.