Peer Support Specialist, CSP

Description

Do you know, you have the power to change the course of someone’s life? Avivo employees do this every day, and we want you to join the team. At Avivo, our employees work with utter commitment to their clients, embracing the full person, believing in the dignity of all people.

Avivo Chemical Mental Health Division is made up of three service Areas; Community Chemical and Mental Health, Supportive Housing and 245G substance use disorder programs which provide a continuum of integrated services, including access, clinical treatment, care coordination and recovery support.  We provide services that are innovative, person centered, strength based, and outcome driven.  We strive for the highest quality of services using culturally responsive in a trauma informed environment.  

The Peer Support Specialist for Avivo’s Community Support Program will bring passion, personal experience, and mission focused innovation to CSP members. Through a trauma informed, social justice and harm reduction lens, the Peer Recovery Specialist will work in communities throughout Hennepin County offering inclusive and diverse programming that meets the needs of all members. The Peer Support Specialist will encourage participation in social-recreational activities, provide supportive peer consult and problem solving as well as provide crisis intervention to clients virtually and in person.    

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Encourage and facilitate involvement with members in community activities.  
• Conduct intakes of new members and assist members in developing their own self-directed recovery plans.  
• Demonstrate commitment to SAMSHA’s definition of recovery and recovery principles: “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential.” www.samhsa.gov 
• Assist participants in developing their own self-directed recovery plan, to include formal and informal referrals and support social and culturally specific services. 
• Conduct Community Outreach appointments, including driving the agency van, as needed to community activities.  
• Meet with participants to provide problem solving and support.  
• Plan and promote and lead activities focused on celebrations, education, and supportive interactions. 
• Ensure grant requirements are met, including program enrollment goals and documentation within electronic health record (EHR).  
• Employ a holistic approach including promoting harm reduction focused wellness activities with participants. 
• Lead peer support groups as determined by member request and need. 
• Complete client documentation to meet timeline and program standards including applicable state and certification standards. 
• Ensure programming is culturally responsive utilizing best practices.  

Qualifications

• Certified Peer Specialist (Active Certification- or qualified to complete within 60 days of hire.) 
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a program serving adults with serious and persistent mental illness experiencing homelessness. 
• Experience/strong interest in the arts field. 
• Experience with and/or commitment to working in a diverse, continuum of services in a fast-paced, growing organization. 
• Experience with and/or a demonstrated commitment to developing and delivering culturally responsive services. 
• Previous work experience in a behavioral health setting desirable.  
• Work experience in a culturally diverse environment preferred. 
• Experience with programs serving individuals with dual diagnoses preferred. 
• Must have access to a personal vehicle.  Mileage reimbursement will be provided. 
• Must have a valid, current driver’s license, proof of valid insurance and a clean driving record. 
• As driving is required for the position, employee must notify supervisor immediately of any driving related citations after date of hire. 

PREFERRED:

• Demonstrated understanding of the recovery philosophy and recovery oriented behavioral health services, or willingness to learn recovery principles. 
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health, chemical health, community housing resources, community support programs, culturally specific resources. 
• Ability to maintain a favorable working relationship with all other employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate. 
• Ability to provide and promote unconditional positive regard to all participants regardless of race, creed, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and economic status. 
• Demonstrate competence using electronic health record systems. 

BENEFITS:

• Medica health plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Nice Healthcare: offers chat, video visits and in home primary care visits
• Dental plan
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Basic Life/AD&D & Voluntary Life/AD&D
• Long term disability
• Option to purchase critical illness, accident insurance and short-term disability
• 401(k) Plan: with matching contributions
• 10 Paid holidays & generous PTO
• Flexible schedule (hybrid, remote options)

IN ADDITION:

• Mission driven culture that celebrates diversity
• Competitive pay, based on education & experience
• Mileage reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Avivo is an equal opportunity employer and will recruit, hire, promote and transfer qualified persons into all job classifications regardless of race, gender, religion, skin color, national origin or ancestry, physical disability (including pregnancy) or mental disability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, veteran status, or genetic characteristics.

Salary : $17 - $20