Peer Support Specialist

Job Overview

Motivational Services Inc. (MoCo) defines “Peer” as a person who has personally experienced challenges maintaining mental health, which may include recovery from substance use and/or life challenges. A Peer Support Specialist is willing to self-identify on that basis and effectively shares about their personal lived experience in a way that fosters a healthy relationship, centered on each person exploring wellness, challenges, and new ways of thinking about life and challenges. It is required that a person has experienced mental health challenges as part of their life story to be employed as a Peer Support Specialist.

Essential Functions:

• Provide Peer Support Services at Riverview Psychiatric Center(RPC)

· orientation within forty-eight (48) hours of being admitted to RPC.

· Complete the Inpatient Consumer Survey with patients who are discharging.

· Document weekly contact.

· Attend all Comprehensive Treatment Team Meetings Peer Specialists are invited too, including documenting the number of all and percent of Peer Support Specialist that attend.

· Attend Service Integration Meetings and document the number of meetings held and percentage of Peer Support Specialist that attend.

· Ensure Inpatient Consumer Survey information is disseminated and collected from all in-patients.

• Maintain clear conduct for peer staff to

· Advocate for people in recovery.

· Share resources and building skills.

· Build community and relationships.

· Lead recovery groups.

• Provide opportunities for peer support, using activities and classes such as: Pathways to Recovery, empathy circles, art classes, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous (subject to change per contract requirements).
• Work with patients to develop structured group support that is designed to teach self-management and problem-solving strategies.
• Ensure all requested documents are provided to the Department to complete the annual assessment.
• Track and record data necessary to complete the required quarterly performance reports required by the Department of Health and Human Services contract.

Effectively Practice Peer Support Model

• Manage conflict appropriately, within the team and with people in the program.
• Provide education to the inpatient team about the tenants of the peer support model, as needed or ongoing.
• Directly encourage consumer voice
• Provide services to help individuals develop satisfying, hopeful and fulfilling lives in the community of their choice.
• Promote recovery/wellness and resilience and work toward reducing the likelihood of future emergencies and produces better outcomes.
• Model strength-based approaches and share experiences.
• Model effective skills of recovery and/or wellness
• Model effective personal interactions and behavior
• Meet documentation standards successfully.
• Document and refer potential and identified problems to the supervisor.

Perform general employee functions successfully.

• Navigate computer and technology responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.
• Communicate appropriately and timely about schedule changes to supervisor and participants of the program.
• Participate in trainings as needed for the acquisition and enhancement of skills.
• Achieve personal annual goals negotiated with the direct supervisor each year.
• Attend regular staff meetings.
• Participate in regular supervision.
• Comply with applicable MoCo policies and licensing standards.
• Other duties as assigned to assure the success of the program and the broader MoCo organization.
• Record time appropriately within the PayCom system, complete mileage, and other reimbursement documentation in a timely manner to MoCo.
• Punch in and out accordingly to TimeTrack System in place at RPC as well as utilizing the Paycom system
• Other duties as assigned by RPC to assure the success of the program

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, some college preferred.
• A personal history of significant mental health/substance use challenges, and a wellness or change story that guides peer relationships is required.
• Experience providing one-on-one and/or group facilitation peer support is preferred.
• Ability to articulate the unique nature of Peer Support within traditional service programs and larger social change.
• Good communication skills and an ability to maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Willingness to further develop communication skills (i.e., written, verbal, and computer.)
• Demonstrated ability to keep focus on continual learning and growth in peer support practices.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Computer proficiency required with ability to demonstrate basic computer skills in using Microsoft Office and Outlook email
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Driver’s license and reliable transportation

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

• Completion of, or ability to complete, State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) Certification is required. Provisional CIPSS Certification is required within 12 months of hire date. Employment will be contingent on the above certification guidelines.
• Valid Maine driver’s license/reliable transportation.
• CPR/FA
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Consent Decree
• Sexual Harassment.
• Adhere to all Riverview Psychiatric Center Required Trainings

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.50 - $19.57 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Overnight shift
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Augusta, ME 04330: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $20