Veteran Peer Support Specialist

A Peer Support Specialist – Veteran (PSS-V), under general review of various WMCMH program supervisors, provides a welcoming atmosphere, skills training, and instruction to individuals receiving services who may be living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance abuse issues. While not exclusively, the PSS-V will primarily work with individuals who are veterans who may be either open or not open to CMH services. For veterans, services may include identifying resources and linking Veteran and military families to services in the area, making appropriate referrals, coordinating care, providing follow up, and either directly providing or assuring wrap around type of services are available. The incumbent will work closely with the Veteran’s Services Specialist for these services. An employee in this class coordinates and/or co-facilitates groups including group outings into the community, motivating individuals toward greater community inclusion, and achieving personal goals; and/or co-facilitating groups in skills trainings, dual diagnosis, recovery issues, substance abuse issues, and other groups assigned. A Peer Support Specialist facilitates individual’s care by building relationships and providing support and encouragement for the consumer to find their voice, empowering them in their own recovery journey. The incumbent in this position meets with the individuals receiving services, their guardian(s), families, support systems, AFC staff, and other key persons in the individual’s life. This position assists the consumer with community integration, improving relationships and resolving conflicts, achieving successful living options, obtaining employment and/or navigating the public human services system. This employee may transport individuals receiving services, complete necessary documentation which includes communicating effectively in both oral and written form and maintaining accurate records, including utilizing basic computer software and performs other related duties as assigned.

A PSS-V who also has lived experience in recovery from a substance use disorder may also provide peer services to consumers with only SUD concerns. Therefore, the peer may serve consumers with a mental health disorder only, SUD disorder only, or co-occurring mental health and SUD disorders.

Requirements

• A person with lived experience with mental illness/substance use disorders, who received mental health services from West Michigan Community Mental Health or another provider; AND
• Must be a Veteran or have active military service.
• Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test.
• Is eligible and willing to be trained in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services approved curriculum and ongoing training model for a Peer Support Specialist; AND
• Willing and able to self-identify as a person who has or is receiving behavioral health services and is prepared to use that experience in helping others
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and provide own transportation to and from meetings and activities at varying work locations including all agency locations in Lake, Mason, and Oceana Counties.
• Must obtain certification approved by the State of Michigan as a Peer Specialist within one (1) year of employment.
• Depending on population served other program specific requirements may be necessary to be obtained and maintained based on specific standards of each program.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.51 - $23.39 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $23