COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATE B/PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST, EMERGENCY SERVICES - C - PRN

Responsibilities

This is a FLSA non-exempt position. The incumbent serves as a CSAIII Peer Provider for the Emergency Services team, based primarily in the Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center (CITAC) at 500 Old Lynchburg Road. The incumbent is expected to perform in accordance with applicable professional ethics, state quality assurance standards, as well as established Region Ten policies. The incumbent will have a history of similar experience with mental health crisis recovery, and is responsible for providing peer support services for these consumers, using his/her own life experience to establish a helping relationship with consumers in a psychiatric crisis that promotes respect, trust, warmth, understanding, hope and recovery as well as reducing the traumatic effect of being in crisis and in police custody. The incumbent will work collaboratively with other CITAC staff and other agency and community providers in support of consumers. The incumbent reports to the Director III of Emergency Services and duties require proceeding alone under standard practices with referral of questionable situations to the supervisor. Standard practices allow for the independent accomplishment of recurring tasks and use of own initiative for prioritizing the work schedule. In carrying out position duties, he/she performs in accordance with applicable professional ethics and established Region Ten policies as well as those of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Please review the full job description for a full list of duties and tasks.

Qualifications

• Valid Virginia driver's license plus an acceptable driving record as issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
• For use of a personal vehicle to conduct Region Ten business, a certificate of valid personal automobile insurance must be provided.
• Must be able to perform CPR/First Aid intervention.
• High school diploma/GED required.
• Personal, lived experience in own mental health or substance abuse recovery, or experience as family member/loved one of a person with lived experience.
• Strong commitment and desire to help others move towards recovery from the impact of a psychiatric emergency.
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons.
• Experience working in role of Peer Recovery Specialist preferred; status as Certified Peer Recovery Specialist preferred.
• Becoming certified within 12 months required.

Skills

• Knowledge of: characteristics of severe mental illness and mental illness with chemical abuse; concepts and practices of recovery from illness and its impact on daily life; specific tools for fostering recovery interest and achievement, including WRAP; crisis recognition, prevention techniques, and management; procedures for preventing, diffusing and managing aggression; emergency procedures; first aid; CPR; business arithmetic; and computer skills.
• Skills in: