Peer Support Specialist

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The purpose of this position is to function as a role model to Blanchard Valley Health System patients, while exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of positive coping skills.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Duty 1: Assists clients in setting personal goals for recovery.  Supports patients in identifying and developing plans with the skills, strengths, supports, and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.

Duty 2: Assists patients in working with their treatment team in determining the steps the patient needs to take to achieve these goals.

Duty 3: Teaches and role models the value of every individual’s recovery experience through effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.

Duty 4: Serves as a recovery guide by providing and advocating for any effective recovery based services that will help the patient sustain recovery.

Duty 5: Works closely with the patient’s community to enhance recovery by finding resources for harm reduction, family support and support groups.

Duty 6: Maintains patient confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA requirements.

Duty 7: May be responsible for transporting a patient immediately after discharge to their scheduled outpatient appointment for a follow up appointment and/or intake process. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Peer Support must be a person with a lived experience of mental health or co-occurring mental health & substance use disorder. Must satisfy relevant state requirements for Certified peer Recovery Supporter within 12 months of employment which include: being registered through OhioMHAS as a Certified Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter which is based on application approval including demonstration of successful completion of: 16 hour on-line OhioMHAS E-Based Academy Course, a minimum of 40 hours of peer service delivery training or equivalent 3 years formal verifiable experience in peer service delivery, and passing the OhioMHAS Certified Peer Recovery Supporter exam. Certified Peer Recovery Supporters have an identified specialty of mental health and/or substance use disorder based upon their personal recovery experience.
• Must have a working knowledge of the recovery process of mental health, substance and alcohol treatment, and legal systems.
• Maintain a professional approach and understand the importance of clear boundaries between self, staff and fellow peers.
• BLS (within 5 weeks of hire)
• Individual must be able to use the computer for documentation in the electronic medical record and demonstrate the ability to document in a timely manner.
• Individual must demonstrate ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary team, patients, families, and external organizations/agencies in complex problem-solving, and communication and planning.
• Positive service-oriented interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his/her assigned unit/department.
• The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient status. 
• Must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the area’s policies and procedures

• A valid driver's license is required (if you do not have a valid Ohio driver’s license you must obtain one within 30 days of your residency in the state).  You must also meet BVHS's company fleet policy and insurance company requirements, and any other requirements that may be required to operate a vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires a full range of body motion with intermittent walking, lifting, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting and standing. The associate will be required to walk for up to one hour a day, sit continuously for six hours a day and stand for one hour a day. The individual must be able to lift twenty to fifty pounds and reach work above the shoulders. The individual must have good eye-hand coordination and fine finger dexterity for simple grasping tasks. The individual must have excellent verbal communication skills to perform daily tasks. The associate must have corrected vision and hearing in the normal range. The individual must be able to operate a motor vehicle for business travel and community involvement.

This position is classified at risk for possible occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc.)