What are the responsibilities and job description for the PEER SUPPORT SERVICES COORDINATOR position at Dane County?
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
This position is located in the Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Division (BH) – Behavioral Health Resource Center (BHRC). Under general direction of their supervisor, Peer Support Services Coordinators provide, promote, organize and coordinate peer support services provided by the BHRC. Assist in ensuring BHRC peer support services align with organizational goals and client needs. Conduct outreach activities, engage with and develop partnerships with underserved populations, contribute to the development and maintenance of the resource repository, and provide connection and collaboration with other community peer support providing agencies. Peer Support Services Coordinators also provide direct peer support to individuals and groups as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Peer Support Services Coordinators assist with developing and maintaining BHRC best practices regarding peer support services, program measures, and consumer surveys in order to assess and measure program impact. Support development and maintenance of the peer services portion of the BHRC website, behavioral health resource repository, and other targeted resource materials. Ensure program services align with best practices and organizational standards. Assist in the orientation and training of new employees within the BHRC. Provide coordination of peer support referrals, assignment, and service delivery in collaboration with supervisor and other team members. Foster a positive work environment that promotes growth and resilience. Provide drop-in support for BHRC customers as needed, offering accurate and informed referral information to Dane County residents seeking behavioral health information and treatment. Provide direct peer support to peers referred by the BHRC in collaboration with other team members. Document all calls, contacts, referrals and BHRC activities in database or record keeping system.
Participate in workgroups and consortiums as assigned by supervisor. Maintain collaborations between the BHRC and contracted agencies providing peer support with a focus on implementing referral processes and integration with the work of the BHRC. Promote BHRC services in the community through presentations and group forums as directed. Act as a change agent by advocating for client-centered approaches with the BHRC, BH Division, and with external partners. Advocate to advance the inclusion of peer support and self-determination. Perform other duties as assigned.
Education, Training and Experience:Any combination of education, training and or experience equivalent to at least two (2) years of progressively responsible full-time work experience as a Certified Peer Support Specialist in the provision of peer support with peers facing mental health and/or substance use challenges. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in a human service-related field may be substituted for one year of the experience requirement. Experience working effectively with culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations.
Certifications/Licenses:
Requires certification in the State of Wisconsin as a Certified Peer Specialist at time of application.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver’s license, and access to reliable personal transportation or equivalent, which would allow for providing services in a variety of locations throughout Dane County. Availability to occasionally work as required during nights and weekends, in order to provide access to support services outside of regular working hours, and at a time that participating peers are available. Also refer to the “Physical and Environmental Work Requirements” section below.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.). Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
For Bilingual Positions:
- Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
- Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.
* If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Professional office and community-based work environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.
Knowledge and understanding of peer support best practices, recovery-oriented services, and the role of lived experience in peer support. Knowledge of and adherence to peer support code of ethics. Knowledge of mental health and substance use conditions and common challenges faced by individuals seeking recovery. Awareness of trauma informed approaches and the effects of trauma on recovery. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people and groups from a wide variety of backgrounds and across differences in race, culture, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, values, beliefs, learning styles, and literacy levels. Leadership skills, collaboration and community engagement skills, cultural humility, facilitation skills, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary personnel, programs, and partners. Ability to effectively support and offer guidance to Peer Support Specialists at the BHRC. Knowledge of public and private systems of behavioral healthcare in Dane County and ability to assess the needs of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders across the lifespan. Effective personal, written, and verbal communication skills. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Proficiency in use of various software platforms including Salesforce BHub and the Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). Ability to use a computer to generate reports, complete forms, and document case activity. Capacity to organize large amounts of information and manage complex situations to achieve the most effective individual and programmatic outcomes. Ability to be decisive, consistent and diplomatic. Ability to follow oral and written instructions, autonomously meet deadlines, participate in and appropriately use supervision. Ability to work and thrive in a team environment, which relies on clear communication and engagement. Ability to set, communicate, and respect personal boundaries of self and others. Ability to work in a fast paced, team-oriented environment, as well as work independently to complete tasks as assigned.
Salary : $34 - $44
