Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

About the role

The ACCS Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope, and full integration and functioning of adults with receiving psychiatric rehabilitation services needed to live successfully in the community. In this role, you will provide Peer Support Services and help Persons Served explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in their 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 Served’s 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.
• 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, but experiencing psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services/therapy, experience with psychiatric medications, and/or participating in mental health groups in the community.
• Certified Peer Specialist credential: Preferred.
• Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery “Recovery Coach Academy” certificate of completion: Within 6 months of hire.
• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Driving: Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. Must be at least 21 years old, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
• 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 Person Served 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 Person Served, staff, and external representatives.
• Required Certifications: CPR is required within the first two weeks of hire. First Aid is required within two weeks of hire.