Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

About the role

The ACCS Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope and the full integration and functioning of adults with receiving psychiatric rehabilitation services needed to live successfully in the community.

Responsibilities

• Implements Peer Support-oriented Treatment Plan interventions with PS.
• Shares personal experiences; provides support, education, and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions.
• Engage PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
• Affords PS access to other community services and builds Recovery and support networks outside the service system.
• Facilitates Peer Support groups.
• Connects PS with both psychiatric conditions and substance use/addiction to recovery tools and resources.
• Provides information and training on recovery and self-management plans and strategies.
• Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS.
• Maintains close contact with PS who struggle with initial or sustained engagement in ACCS.
• Promotes healthcare and employment services access for PS.
• Promotes engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS.
• Helps maximize choices available to PS as well as their self-determination and participation and decision-making in the planning, delivery and evaluation of their treatment, care coordination, and support services.
• Assists PS in strengthening relationships with chosen family and friends.
• Helps PS develop self-advocacy skills, individually or in groups.
• Provides on-going problem solving, skill training, and side-by-side support to help PSs improve their daily living skills and abilities.
• Models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies for PS.
• Teaches and consults with ACCS staff to reinforce and improve their understanding of recovery values, person-centered language, and the perspectives of Persons Served and to use processes and strategies conducive to recovery.
• Uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches to help PS think through their current life circumstances compared to their hopes and plans for the future.
• Visits all GLE and SIE settings regularly to provide Peer Support.
• Facilitates Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups.
• Engages as a member of the Peer Specialist Community of Practice Workgroup, for continuous role competency development and learning.
• Completes any needed documentation only in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards.

Qualifications

• Personal, first-hand experience (not just having a friend or family member) being a recipient of the mental health system, which encompasses experiences such as psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services/therapy, experience with psychiatric medications, and/or participating in mental health groups in the community.
• While a formal mental health diagnosis is not required, involvement with mental health services must be related to experience with mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
• Certified Peer Specialist credential preferred.
• Must become a Certified Peer Specialist.
• Bilingual/bicultural applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred /Required Education

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Driving Requirements

• Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle.
• If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks.
• A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.

Physical Effort

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.
• Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives.

Specific vision abilities required by this job

• Close vision.
• Distance vision.
• Color vision.
• Peripheral vision.
• Depth perception.
• Ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications/Licenses

• CPR is required within the first two weeks of hire.
• First Aid is required within two weeks of hire.
• Certified Peer Specialist credential required within 12 months of hire.