Certified Peer Support Specialist

POSITION TITLE: SCCMHA Peer Support Specialist

RESPONSIBLE TO: Adult Case Manager Supervisor

DEPARTMENT/SITE: SCCMHA / Saginaw

STATUS: Non-exempt; hourly.

All the criteria-based duties and standards within this document will be performed according to established policies, procedures, and guidelines within the department/site and SPSI.

JOB SUMMARY

Peer Support is a non-clinical service that is designed to help initiate and sustain long-term coaching mechanisms to enhance the quality of life for the client. Peer Support provide support and guidance from the unique perspective of someone who has first-hand experience in the mental health system and discovered how to achieve long-term recovery. Works with families and community-based systems to provide services. These services are on a planned, regular basis and may also be or on an emergent, as needed basis. Assistance in coaching and training clients will include but are not limited to addressing specific needs of the client using evidenced based practicing, providing case management and emotional support.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Provide in-home and community-based support and coaching to clients with severe emotional or behavioral disorders.

2. Assist the person served in increasing social support networks of relatives, friends and/or significant others.

3. Monitor the client’s behavior, schedule, medication, and activities.

4. Report any unusual behavior, conflicts, or recovery deviations to the relevant professionals.

5. Meet with clients to provide advice and support in accordance with treatment plan.

6. Conduct assessments and providing feedback to the client, medical professionals, and the family.

7. To provide individualized, ongoing guidance, coaching and support.

8. Assisting in navigating educational, state and community resources

9. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with client and families.

10. Work cooperatively with other team members to assure clients timely access to quality services.

11. Help family to learn about the experience their loved one is going through in their mental health journey.

12. Work to continually improve skills seeking training in areas where needs/goals have been identified.

13. Document progress notes, treatment plans, assessments, evaluations, and all other required paperwork in a timely fashion according to policy and procedure.

14. Maintain your credentials and required trainings to satisfy your licensure and/or insurance otherwise immediate suspension of employment will be needed.

15. Maintain valid car insurance, driver’s license, and car registration always otherwise immediate suspension of employment will be needed.

16. Attend staff meetings, supervision, coaching, and training as scheduled.

17. Other tasks assigned as needed.

MARGINAL JOB DUTIES

1. Respond to routine and emergency contacts from clients or staff.

2. Openly acknowledge difficulty in managing any particular case and seek support and supervision from direct supervisor.

3. Expect self and co-workers to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and immediately bring to the supervisor’s attention any concerns or violations.

4. Assist with activities of monthly case management meetings and document electronically, including attendees and agenda.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

LICENSURE: Valid driver’s license. Certification in peer support preferred.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of one year experience in a mental health setting is preferred

SKILLS

1. Self-motivated and the ability to handle unforeseen problems. Does not wait to be told what to do, can work independently.

2. Exceptional organizational and leadership skills.

3. Aptitude in resolving issues and conflicts.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Must possess effective communication skills and act as a representative of SPSI and adhering to its mission, vision, and values. This includes external representation of local agencies.

2. Speak to clients in a respectful and calming manner, even if clients are agitated. Identify and resolve client conflicts/dissatisfaction issues as needed.

3. Engages and develops trusting relationships with clients to enhance successful mental health/substance use outcomes.

4. Continually strives for effective relationships with staff, clients and management.

5. Expect self and co-workers to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics.

PHYSICAL EFFORTS: Medium; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

HOURS OF WORK: Part-time, flexible and varied. Schedule may vary Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TRAVEL: Reliable transportation is required. Local travel throughout service area is required with possible occasional travel between SPSI locations. Some out of service area travel may also be required. Reimbursement in accordance with SPSI policy.

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person