*Those that are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and influenza shot will be required to do so as a requirement of employment at Netcare Access.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for providing peer support services to clients receiving residential services under the direction of clinical and medical staff in these areas. Also provides personal care services as indicated to clients in residential settings. Responsible for assisting client in current crisis and at risk for further hospitalizations to successful transition back into the community. Helps represent the mental health consumer’s perspective in planning, implementation, and operations at Netcare. Acts as a liaison between the staff and clients when needed, offering a lived-experience perspective, as a crucial element of Netcare’s trauma informed care. 

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ALL AREAS): 

1. Is trained and approved by OMHAS as Peer Support Specialist. 
2. Training and experience in Trauma Informed Care, recognizing the impact of trauma on self as caregiver, as well as client. Gives input from a trauma-recovery perspective into the residential program and procedures affecting treatment of clients, with the aim of reducing or eliminating re-traumatizing clients, providing choice, respect, and consideration for clients and their recovery.
3. Monitors client’s well-being, performs client observation rounds and documents observations and interactions in electronic health record.
4. Assists with dangerous and potentially dangerous situations and takes appropriate measures to assure client/worker safety.
5. Takes initiative to interact with client and to help clients feel as comfortable as possible while at Netcare. 
6. Provides exceptional customer service to clients, visitors, coworkers, and other professionals.
7. Documents and bills appropriately for all client interactions.
8. Functions as a valuable member of the treatment team.
9. Maintains productivity standards as determined by management.
10. Reviews email and internal mail delivery daily and responds if needed in a timely manner.
11. Performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (SPECIFIC):

1. Provides personal care services, including assisting clients with activities of daily living.
2. Assists with unit responsibilities.
3. Monitors safety and security of residents, facility and equipment, notifying the manager and/or other staff as appropriate of problems or potential problems.
4. Provides services to, or on behalf of clients either individually, in group settings, in person, or via telephone including (but not limited to):

a. Assisting in the implementation of treatment plans in accordance with identified time frames.

b. Monitoring and documenting client behaviors and progress toward goals and objectives, as well as changes in symptoms.

c. Providing support and interventions in crisis situations as appropriate.

d. Conducts group and individual interactions with the clients according to the treatment plan and documents accordingly

5. Uses own recovery experience and training to assist clients developing the skills and knowledge

needed for recovery. Performs the following duties:

1. engaging the client
2. supporting the personal recovery goals of the client
3. community networking with/on behalf of the client
4. advocating with and for the benefit of the client
5. mentoring client
6. bridging or helping clients navigate the mental health system
7. training clients on self-advocacy, wellness, life skills, goal setting, and decision-making.

Develops rapport and engages in a personal and positive supportive relationship, demonstrating and inspiring hope, trust, and positive outlook Provides social and emotional support.

6. Assists Human Resources in design, development, and implementation of the peer support services provided.

7. Trains fellow personnel on the unique role of peer support specialist.

8. Represents peers in Trauma Informed Care meetings throughout Netcare and other committees as assigned.

9. Ability to relate to clients with a variety of age, gender, cultural, economic and educational 

backgrounds, personality types and problems.

10. Ability to achieve and maintain certification in the required training programs.

11. Ability to monitor condition of clients and recognize changes in clients’ mental and physical status.

12. Ability to work in alternate locations as assigned.

13. Exhibits flexibility and ability to manage multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.

14. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

15. Ability to translate personal experience to articulate the collective experiences of clients. 

16. Ability to use basic intervention skills.

17. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

18. Ability to engage in problem-solving process.

19. Ability to perform basic office duties in environment of simultaneous demands.

20. Maintains appropriate emotional and relationship boundaries with clients, as defined by the Ohio Certification for Peer Supporters.

21. Attends regular supervision regarding professional emotional and relationship boundaries.

22. Maintains confidentiality expectations to protect clients and Netcare. 

23. Maintains competency in the following areas, as demonstrated by successfully completing trainings provided by Ohio Peer Supporters and other organizations:

1. Personal Advocacy
2. Engagement
3. Recovery and Resiliency Principles
4. Community Supports/Connections
5. The effective use of sharing life experiences

24. Engages in ongoing training on current practices in peer support services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (ALL):

Preferred: BA/BS in mental health/social services field; SWA.

Required: Completed Ohio Peer Supporter/Peer Specialist training through Ohio Empowerment Coalition and received a certificate through Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services. 

H.S. Diploma or Associate Degree in mental health/social services field. Experience with mental health/drug and alcohol, and/or crisis intervention services preferred. Basic computer, telephone, and exceptional customer service skills required.

ESSENTIAL CORE COMPETENCIES (ALL):

1. Ability to accurately and succinctly complete documentation of services and interventions.

2. Ability to complete required paperwork in a timely and error-free fashion.

3. Ability to identify client needs and provide effective interventions.

4. Ability to apply risk management and problem-solving techniques to clinical/workplace situations.

5. Ability to engage and de-escalate clients in a professional and effective manner.

6. Ability to effectively work as a member of a team.

7. Demonstrates broad knowledge of and ability to access community resources on behalf of clients.

8. Ability to adhere to Agency Policies, Procedures and other expectations.

9. Ability to provide Customer-Focused services

10. Actively seeks opportunities to develop professional skills.