Peer Support Specialist Crisis Services

Pay Grade: 5

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Director of Crisis Services, the Peer Support Specialist provides support and recovery training to individuals receiving services. The Peer Support Specialist also assists in implementing/creating a recovery environment and acts as an advocate for the needs and rights of every individual.

Responsibilities

• Provides a variety of peer support services and direct interventions with those seeking recovery.
• Engages individuals in a recovery partnership and assists in identifying participant’s hopes and dreams and the solutions they are seeking.
• Teaches recovery and life skills using recovery tools.
• Shares relevant personal experiences related to the “Recovery Process” for the benefit of individuals in recovery.
• Models hope, personal responsibility and self-advocacy to demonstrate how recovery goals can be respectfully met and how a belief in self is maintained.
• Creates a supportive environment for an individual’s recovery.
• Assists in developing natural supports and community living.
• Cultivates connectedness in the person’s life (self, others, the environment, and to meaning and purpose).
• Coordinates with the individual’s clinical team and other supports to arrange services or resources to help the individual achieve their goals.
• Observes and reports individuals’ changes in mental health status, physical appearance and behavior.
• Conducts follow-up calls, attends meetings and interacts with clients and their families after initial contact.
• Assists with food preparation, serving and clean-up as needed.
• Completes clinical documentation as required.
• Understands and adheres to DWIHN compliance standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policies.
• Ensures implementation, quality and coordination of services.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with individual staff, outside agencies and vendors.
• Performs additional outreach activities in the community as needed.
• Performs other related duties assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or a G.E.D.
• One (1) year of experience working with individuals with emotional impairments and/or seeking recovery treatment.
• A valid State of Michigan Driver’s License with a safe and acceptable driving record.
• Must obtain Peer Support Specialist certification within 18 months of hire through the successful completion of the Peer Employment Training through the State of Michigan.

Skills

• Knowledge of DWIHN policies, procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of the DWIHN provider network and community resources.
• Knowledge of MDHHS policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal policies, rules, regulations and procedures as it relates to DWIHN.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with HIPAA security standards to ensure the privacy of people served.
• Knowledge of behavioral health and mental health principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Peer Support principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Suicide Prevention, Resilience and Crisis Intervention.
• Assessment skills.
• Evaluation skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Communication skills.
• Active Listening skills.
• Computer skills (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Teamwork Skills.
• Ability to communicate orally.
• Ability to communicate in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to work with an ethnically, linguistically, culturally, economically and socially diverse population.
• Judgement/Reasoning ability.

Schedule

Crisis Care Operations is a 24/7 unit. Candidates will be required to work a 12-hour schedule and must be able to work a flexible schedule.

Working Conditions

This position will work in the DWIHN Crisis Care Center. This position will be required to work with persons who may suffer from mental health or substance abuse crises.

DWIHN requires proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions that may be required by law will be approved when properly supported.