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. As an ACCS Peer Specialist you will provide Peer Support Services and help Persons Served explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in goals.

Responsibilities

• Implement Peer Support-oriented Treatment Plan interventions with Person Served.
• Provide support, education and advocacy especially at times of service and life transitions; for example being discharged from a hospital, detoxification unit or respite setting, moving to their own apartment, or when facing life stage challenges – particularly for young adults and elders.
• Engage Person Served in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
• Facilitate Peer Support groups as needed.
• Connect Person Served 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 – including facilitating the Person Serveds completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) individually or in a group.
• Promote initial and sustained engagement of Person Served.
• Maintain close contact with Person Served who struggle with initial or sustained engagement in ACCS.
• Promote healthcare and employment services access for Person Served.
• Promote engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all Person Served.
• Help maximize choices available to Person Served 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.
• Assist Person Served in strengthening relationships with chosen family and friends.
• Help Person Served develop self-advocacy skills, individually or in groups.
• Provide on-going problem solving, skill training, and side-by-side support to help Person Serveds improve their daily living skills and abilities.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies for Person Served.
• Teach and consult 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.
• Use 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 Person Served 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.

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 OR obtain Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery “Recovery Coach Academy” certificate of completion within 6 months of hire.

About Vinfen

Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve.