Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

About the role

The ACCS Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope, and full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live successfully in the community. Provides Peer Support Services; helps PS explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in their goals.

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 (e.g., discharge from a hospital, detoxification unit, or respite setting; moving to their own apartment; facing life stage challenges).
• Engages PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
• Assists PS in linking to other community services and building Recovery and support networks outside the service system, including services and networks for people with co-occurring disorders, mutual help, and Recovery support groups.
• 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, including facilitating the completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) individually or in a group.
• Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS, maintaining close contact with those who struggle with 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 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 ongoing problem-solving, skill training, and side-by-side support to help PS 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.
• 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.
• 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 documentation in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Note: Peer Specialists may not be involved with or trained in the Medication Administration Program (MAP), perform duties related to a PS Representative Payeeship, and must adhere to Certified Peer Specialist and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards.

Skills

• Willingness to use and share personal, practical experience of the recovery process, wellness management, and the personal effort and commitment required for PS to have a full and satisfying life in the community.
• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive resources and support in their community of choice.
• Knowledge of Peer Support and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards and practices.
• Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, principles, and modalities.
• Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with persons served by ACCS.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of persons served.
• Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender differences of persons served.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques.
• Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of persons served.
• Knowledge of community and other resources.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Personal, first-hand experience (not just having a friend or family member) as a recipient of the mental health system, including experiences such as psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services/therapy, experience with psychiatric medications, and/or participation in mental health groups in the community.
• While a formal mental health diagnosis is not required, involvement with mental health services must relate to experience with mental health, emotional health, and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
• Certified Peer Specialist credential preferred; must become certified within 12 months of hire.
• Bilingual/bicultural applicants are encouraged to apply.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. In some cases, experience may substitute for academic training.

Requirements

• Driving is required using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and pass a driver’s screening background check.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb; this is a physically active position.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment (e.g., calculator, copier, 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 include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• CPR certification required within the first two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification required within two weeks of hire.

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, 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. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.