ACT - Peer Support Specialist - Full Time - Horizons

The HMHC Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team serves individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness whose needs have not been met by traditional clinic-based services. The ACT team outreaches and enrolls people into its services, provides comprehensive mental health and social service support, helps to obtain and maintain housing, works with individuals to return to a full and satisfying life in the community. This position works closely with a clinician, case manager, medical providers and other support staff to provide services at a higher level of intensity or frequency with the goal of the consumer remaining in the community with resources in place. The ACT Peer Support Specialist is a self-identified individual who has experienced a mental health obstacle. This individual is supportive in nature and focuses on rehabilitation and recovery.

Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.

• Provides peer support services utilizing identified and accepted methods to remediate symptoms of mental illness and/or improve emotional and functional well-being through trauma focused and person-centered evidenced based practices
• Works with ACT Team to develop a crisis prevention plan and treatment goals by working with the consumer identifying their needs to provide person-centered treatment
• Participates in care coordination to collaborate with community partners, caregivers, family members, physicians and other treatment providers regularly
• Provide direct supportive services to individuals struggling with mental health symptoms
• Assist clients in generating proactive solutions to barriers regarding their recovery
• Complete documentation in a timely and accurate manner
• The Peer Support Specialist will participate and contribute to a program culture that is person-centered, outcome-oriented and dedicated to continuous quality improvement
• Complete trainings and attend meetings as directed
• Other job tasks as assigned by the direct supervisor or department head

• Strong organizational skills
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Office programs
• What does “Peer” mean? This unique position requires that a Peer Support Specialist
• Self-identify as a present or former primary consumer of mental health services
• Per KDADS guidelines, establishes a minimum of one year in stable recovery

• N/A

• Integrity:
  • A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of honesty and the willingness to do the right thing.
  • The ability to role model, inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals and values of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System
• Compassion:
  • A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of caring that is reflected in a high level of empathy and customer service with all that we come in contact.
  • Ability to manage conflict, consider other points of view, and offer alternative solutions without jeopardizing overall project direction and the ability to manage customer expectations.
• Accountability:
  • Demonstrated track record of ownership of situations, projects and issues.
  • Able to work autonomously and have a high degree of flexibility to adapt to changing projects, priorities and work volumes.
• Respect:
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse population.
  • Treat all internal and external customers with a positive, proactive service orientation.
• Excellence:
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Proven ability to think strategically but also must be able to lead day-to-day tactical processes.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be 18 years of age and at least three years older than the youth.
• What does “Peer” mean? This unique position requires that a Peer Support Specialist
• Self-identify as a present or former primary consumer of mental health services (services do not have to have been from HMHC)

• Two years’ experience working with adults in a health-related field

• State training required following being hired
• Valid driver’s license, insurance and a dependable vehicle

• Kansas Department of Aging and Disability (KDADS) document titled “BHS Certification for Peer Specialists in Kansas