Peer Support Specialist

Position is located in Nicholas County, WV.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma or GED required. Personal history as a consumer of behavioral health services.  Depending on population served: 

TIEH – prefer an individual who has experienced homelessness or experience providing services to individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Mental Health – individual must be in recovery from mental illness with only maintenance services in the past 6-months.

Mental Health Family – individual must have a family member or friend with a mental illness.

Valid driver’s license and vehicle required. Must pass a Criminal Background Check and Employment Fitness Determination through WVCARES and a drug screen.  

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Able to represent Seneca in a positive manner i.e. maintaining a positive attitude/performing duties in a manner in accordance with Seneca’s Code of Conduct & Ethical Practices.

Demonstrated knowledge of basic computer skills required

PURPOSE:

Provide support to individuals in recovery from mental health disorders or family members of those with mental illness.  Assist individuals served with setting goals, creating/monitoring individualized change recovery plans and working toward developing skills to attain and sustain recovery.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Serve as a personal guide and mentor for individuals with mental health and/or substance use difficulties.
2. Identify culturally competent referral pathways for target population.
3. Provide, increase, or enhance access to services for individuals of all racial/ethnic/marginalized groups in the community.
4. Ensure clients receive infectious disease screening and education, i.e. HIV, hepatitis.
5. Share and discuss common experiences; answer questions and provide referrals for the services/supports necessary to promote mental health for individuals served.  
6. Help individuals discover, access, and utilize ways to maintain mental health or reduce the harm associated with behaviors negatively affecting their mental health.
7. Link and refer individuals to resources for treatment, family support, education, housing and local or online support groups.
8. Establish/maintain peer-led groups or classes to support improved health outcomes.
9. Complete assessments and track progress to maintain client engagement in treatment.
10. Obtain authorization and document services provided, as required.
11. Participate in team meetings. Work closely with other team members.
12. Ensure linkage with community housing options, other community support as provided by other agencies, and other non-institutional living options by making referrals to other team members, when appropriate.
13. Provide support and assistance for community integration by providing or arranging transportation, shopping opportunities, gaining access to medication and other health services, and money management by making referrals to other team members, when appropriate.
14. Assure quality service for clients by becoming knowledgeable of and adhering to rules, regulations, and legal requirements and by documenting services provided in accordance with established standards.
15. Secure information by adhering to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations and Seneca privacy policies and keeping client information confidential.
16. Represent Seneca in a positive manner including maintaining a positive attitude and performing duties in a manner in accordance with Seneca’s Code of Conduct and Ethical Practices.
17. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use of arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; bend or crouch; talk and hear; and drive a motor vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and rarely up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and distance vision. Local travel required.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.