Jail Based Peer Specialist MHGJII (Medina County MH Center)

Description

At Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center our vision is to empower people, foster hope,
support choice, and celebrate success.

"Caring People Dedicated to Quality Service"

Help us help others:

The Jail Based Peer Specialist embedded within the Medina County Jail, is a compassionate and dedicated individual in the Mental Health Grant Program for Justice-Involved Individuals (MHGJII). In this role, you will provide triage/liaison between the Medina County Jail, Hill Country MHDD Centers, and community resources to assure continuity of care for people identified as having reported or potential mental health and/or substance abuse disorder, with the goal of re-entry planning. Duties include coordinating behavioral and physical health needs while in jail and upon release from the jail; provide behavioral health consultation and follow-up with primary care and behavioral health care patients. The Peer Specialist services are designed to offer recovery-oriented behavioral health services to individuals with goals of restoring cognitive functioning, strengthening natural support, stabilizing psychiatric symptoms, and developing a clear path to recovery. The services provided aimed at assisting in the creation of skills to promote long-term, sustainable recovery. This position assists the team and individual to maximize and enhance individuals experience and choice, self-determination, and decision-making in the planning and coordination of services. Peer support activities include service linkage, coordination of clinic services, monitoring, advocacy, crisis resolution, liaison services, and other peer support services. The Peer Specialist will provide continuity of care services after the person is released from jail for up to 90 days. Duties of the position will require frequent interactions with jail staff, community members, Primary Care Physicians, hospitals, and Hill Country MHDD program staff. Requires flexible hours, involves extensive paperwork, and will require self-directed performance. Must have a valid Texas driver’s license, have a driving record that is acceptable for insurability through the Center’s insurance carrier, and pass a criminal background check. The Peer Specialist will participate in community coalition meetings, training, and Criminal Justice training seminars as designated. The Peer Specialist is supervised by the MHDD Adult Mental Health Director.

You will get to:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• • Respond to individuals in mental health crisis by providing immediate emotional support and active listening. Utilize your personal experience to empathize and connect with individuals, creating a safe space for open dialogue.
  • Establish a supportive and non-judgmental relationship with individuals in crisis, demonstrating empathy and understanding. Share personal experiences as appropriate to instill hope, encourage self-advocacy, and promote resilience.
  • Collaborate with mental health professionals, along with jail staff, to determine appropriate interventions and make referrals to appropriate services and community resources.
  • Assists individuals in developing personalized crisis safety plans, fostering empowerment and self-management strategies to promote long-term mental health stability. Educate individuals on available community resources for ongoing support once released from jail.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with individuals, adhering to organizational policies and legal requirements. Collect, analyze, and report on data necessary to contribute to the overall understanding and improvement of crisis response services.
  • Stay updated on current mental health practices, crisis intervention techniques, and peer support best practices.
  • Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
  • Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including mental health professionals, crisis counselors, law enforcement, jail staff, and other peer support specialists. Engage in regular team meetings and case consultations to ensure coordinated care for individuals in crisis.
  • Provide relevant skills training to improve daily life.
  • Collaborate with service providers and agencies to be a liaison for effective care and positive outcomes.
  • Collaborate with and provide outreach to community partners, organizations, and stakeholders.
  • Consistently meet with individuals to maintain progress and compliance.
  • Work alongside law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.
  • Assist in grant data tracking.
  • Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
  • Organize, plan, and facilitate peer support groups.
  • Maintains effective communication with all treatment staff, community stakeholders, and consumers.
  • Work with Medina County Mental Health Deputies in collaboration with Medina Jail Administrator with follow-ups and crisis prevention in the jail.

Workplace Behaviors

• Attends work regularly and as scheduled.
• Works cooperatively with others and the supervisor
• Communicates effectively and in a timely manner with the team and individuals served.
• Follow the agency’s workplace values and principles.

Ethical Standards

• Maintain client confidentiality and privacy according to standards.
• Follow policy and procedures for protecting clients as well as reporting client abuse and neglect if needed.
• Always protect and ensure client rights
• Pass a Criminal background check

Qualifications

You’ll definitely need:

• A High School Diploma/GED
• Have personal experience with mental health challenges and recovery to demonstrate resilience and stability in your own journey.
• Become certified as Mental Health Peer Support Specialists. (Will train, must be able to make satisfactory progress towards certification, and obtain certification within 90 days of hire)
• A valid Texas State Driver’s License.
• Current automobile insurance and the ability to travel to individuals when necessary.

We’ll also want you to:

• Guards’ client confidentiality by being knowledgeable of and adhering to HIPAA regulations.
• Adhere to all Hill Country MHDD policies and procedures.
• Travel is required for service delivery and professional development.
• Driving a company or personal vehicle as required for service delivery and professional development.

• Performs other duties as assigned by Manager/Director and/or Sheriff
• Job description may be changed to reflect job updates and requirements.
• Performance metrics may change to reflect the operational needs of the organization.
• Must be able to successfully complete and maintain PMAB and CPR training certification.

We’re excited to provide:

• PPO health insurance plan with option to add dependents.
• PPO dental plan and vision insurance options for healthy teeth and eyes.
• Employer paid life insurance.
• 401(a) plan, employer matches your contributions dollar for dollar up to 8% of your salary. You are 100% vested after 3 years of service.
• 457/403(b) plan, employees are immediately eligible to contribute pre-tax earnings.
• Generous paid time off for fun and vacations and paid sick time for when you’re under the weather.
• Authentic and caring environment where folks care about each other and want to do good in the world.

We can pay you:

$17.50 per hour and benefits plus good karma for doing good in the world.

Salary : $18