Mental Health Peer Support Specialist

SUMMARY: Under direct or general supervision, by the Director of Mental Health, the Parent/Peer Specialist provides information, resources, training, supports and empowers consumers and their families /caregivers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides information, resources, training, supports and empowers consumers and their families /caregivers by appointment at clinic or in the field (home visits, school)
• Communicates, represents and promotes the consumer and families/caregivers’ perspective within the mental health system
• Facilitates self-help groups for consumers, youth, family members and caregivers
• Attends and participates in special events, conferences, workshops and trainings within the mental health system and in the community
• Develops activities, programs and resources which support consumers and family/caregivers in achieving their goals
• Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer and family/caregiver empowerment
• Helps prepare and support clients and families/caregivers at case staffings and at a variety of formal and informal hearings (i.e. IEP meetings)
• Protects confidentiality of all clients by securing proper signatures on Release of Information forms, and by never removing client files from the premises.
• Completes a confidential written progress notes on each client for each service as required
• Understanding family culture and diversity
• Being Strength-Based
• Performs other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Must have current or previous experience as a consumer of mental health services or as a family member/caregiver of a former or current mental health consumer. Must have NPI number or be able to get one, Driver’s License, and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read / write in Spanish, sign-language, or several other languages besides English are highly desirable. The ability to read, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop to the level of a child. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and be agile enough to move quickly to respond to a child’s actions.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefit Conditions:

• Waiting period may apply
• Only full-time employees eligible

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• 8 hour shift

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Work setting:

• In-person

Experience:

• mental health: 1 year (Preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Required travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $24