Recovery Coach / Peer Support Specialist

General Summary

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Crisis Services, the Recovery Coach- Peer Support Specialist meets with consumers to appropriately engage, inspire and facilitate meaningful conversations with to help them to identify interests, needs, strengths, goals, dreams, and aspirations while offering encouragement and empowerment through shared experience to enhance their recovery and resilience.   

Essential Functions

1. Provides a welcoming, calm, courteous presence.
2. Reviews social determinants of health and makes appropriate referrals to address needs and eliminate social barriers to recovery.
3. Provides peer support to consumers and their affected family members to navigate the mental health system and help the consumer build natural and family support.
4. Encourages consumers to develop coping skills and build and maintain community living skills as well as access community resources.
5. Supports consumers to find and retain employment, education, volunteer work and meaningful activities that promote purpose and engagement in the community.
6. Works as a part of a team that includes mental health clinicians and clinical staff.
7. Asks facilitative questions to help consumers gain insight into their own personal situations.
8. Empowers consumers to find solutions for problems and concerns they are facing.
9. Provides structure and support to promote personal progress and accountability.
10. Compiles and share resources for peers and other staff or supporters.
11. Facilitates evidenced-based support groups, wellness groups, and/or outreach events.
12. Works directly with consumers who have high rate of non-compliance.
13. Identifies and problem solves barriers to appointment compliance.
14. Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

*NOTE:  The lists of essential and additional functions are not exhaustive.  They may be supplemented as necessary from time to time.

Job Specifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Michigan’s community mental health (CMH) system; minimum of three years’ experience working with CMH populations.
• Knowledge of specific disease and lifestyle related topics such as smoking cessation, weight management, nutrition, stress reduction and chronic conditions and certification from an accredited professional wellness coach training program, preferred.
• Knowledge of credentialing status in order to perform duties within their scope.
• Knowledge and understanding of all regulations, contract requirements, standards applicable to performance of duties.
• Working knowledge of resources, including but not limited to: Diagnostic Criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), Medicaid Provider Manual, LifeWays Provider Manual, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), International Classification of Diseases (ICD), LifeWays Policies and Procedures, LifeWays Provider Newsletters and Communication, Electronic Medical Record (EMR), Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR), and departmental processes.

Skills

• Motivational and empathic interviewing.
• Leading focus group discussions.
• Reporting on outcomes of focus groups.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders (consumers, professionals, community members).
• Concurrent/collaborative documentation of services.
• Excellent time management skills in a setting with potential frequent interruptions; ability to coordinate multiple concurrent duties and perform tasks in an organized and timely manner, with attention to detail.

• Experience with basic data analytics and proficiency/intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access) and other relatable software (Power BI, etc.); and internet applications, including Electronic Medical Record. Ability to navigate LifeWays Intranet.

Abilities

• Ability to maintain credentialed status to perform duties.
• Ability to work in high-pressure, high-stress situations and a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to use good judgement to arrive at sound clinical decisions.
• Ability to learn quickly, ability to adjust to changes in job assignment, methods, personnel, or surroundings.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

Salary : $16 - $19