PRN Peer Support Specialist (Crisis)

Essential Responsibilities

• Pick up at least one shift per month on a variety of days/times
• Avoidance of one hour of clinical supervision per month during regular business hours
• Assess client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation through home, community, and office visits
• Implement assertive engagement strategies with potential clients to bring them into services and assist with linkage to needed treatment
• Provide community referrals to agencies that can support the needs of clients with a holistic approach such as linkage to PCP, benefits, food pantries, clothing closets, employment, substance use treatment and recovery groups, housing, etc and collaborate with community providers involved in the client’s care
• Model good communication skills, recovery-oriented living skills, effective coping skills, and self-help strategies
• Participate in Peer Support meetings and activities to gain additional support in position
• Be aware of individual signs of burnout/feeling overwhelmed and know how to get and provide support
• Acquire a CRSS credential within 18 months of hire
• Train and educate clients and community members to increase knowledge of substance use and mental health issues and available resources
• Conduct outreach visits to people experiencing homelessness such as under viaducts, in encampments, shelters, parks etc.
• Complete daily progress notes based on services provided to clients in a timely manner reflected in Trilogy’s documentation standards
• Document all necessary documentation related to client care and requirements for the CORS grant
• Recognize and act on opportunities to move clients to appropriate levels of care; provide referrals to additional services as indicated
• Aid clients in identifying signs and symptoms of de-compensation, assess for crisis situations and or the need for stabilization through hospitalization
• Work collaboratively with clients to identify coping skills to assist in managing symptoms and stressors experienced
• Utilize motivational interviewing to engage and support clients in their substance use while recognizing stages of change
• Aid clients in learning and improving independent living skills; i.e. personal hygiene, housekeeping skills, nutrition, and shopping for food and personal items
• Support clients experiencing homelessness with getting linked to the CES, SRN and other housing waitlists
• Accompany and transport clients to important appointments in the community and provide support with issues related to housing, substance use, budgeting, social support, and medication
• Advocate on client’s behalf and empower clients to advocate on behalf of themselves when appropriate
• Communicate and collaborate effectively within the team model for a multi-disciplinary approach to client care
• Actively participate in team communication via multiple electronic platforms and regularly engage in team meetings

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of direct service experience in a peer support role
• An individual who is 21 years of age or older that has a GED or high school diploma and demonstrates all of the following:
• Skill in the delivery of rehabilitative services to adults
• The ability to work within a provider agency's structure and accept supervision;
• The ability to work constructively with individuals receiving services, other providers of service, and the community;
• Or an individual certified as a Peer Support Worker CRSS certification through IAODAPCA within 12 months of hire
• Must be a past or present consumer of mental health or mental health and substance abuse services and is willing to share their personal story of recovery with our clients
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with daily access to a well-maintained vehicle with $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance
• Experience working with people with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses preferred
• Experience in community-based services preferred