Description

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery (AMHR) is seeking a Peer Specialist who is centered, supportive, and recovery oriented to join the Ascent Program (First Episode Psychosis). This peer support role is responsible for delivering outstanding clinical care for persons living with a psychotic disorder, primarily schizophrenia. This position is very unique and offers autonomy, flexibility, and creative approaches to best meet the needs of clients, their families, and our multidisciplinary team. Meeting with clients in their home environment sets a great foundation for rapport building, trusting relationships, and long-term recovery. All Ascent staff share the same caseload; we are highly collaborative and are in constant communication with one another to ensure staff support and client continuity of care.

About the team.

The Ascent Program (First Episode Psychosis) is an evidence-based treatment modality which offers community-based support to youth and young adults for up to five years. We provide intensive wraparound mental health care to individuals aged 15-29 who are in the first 24 months of psychosis. Our program is guided by a shared decision-making approach which encompasses a multidisciplinary care team of psychiatrists, clinicians, case management, peer support, supported employment/education, and nursing.

Salary for this role. Starting wage is based on experience and company equity. Paid bi-weekly.

• $18.50 to $22.14 hourly

Shift: This position is fully on-site working Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:30pm, with some flexibility, depending upon client need.

Bilingual Language Differential Pay. *rate depends on language requirements for the position and candidate's fluency.

• Will receive scheduled earnings on a bi-weekly basis for all hours worked (excluding non-productive hours paid but not worked, e.g., paid time off, holiday, administrative, etc.) in an amount equivalent to 5% of their regular base rate (hourly or salaried), to a maximum amount of $3,000.00 per calendar year. *the annual maximum amount will be prorated based on full time equivalency (FTE).

About the you.

Ideally, this candidate will have at least 1 year of experience providing peer support to clients with a severe and persistent metal illness. This candidate will enjoy working with young adults, family members, and will be comfortable facilitating approximately 80% of their services in community settings. This candidate will be skilled in working on a multidisciplinary team and will possess above average communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities:

• Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery through one-to-one meetings and group sessions.
• Support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
• Provide follow-up services with clients after their admission or assessment with Crisis Services, to help ensure successful transition to community-based services.
• Assist client in working with their case manager or treatment team in determining the steps s/he needs to take in order to achieve these goals and self-directed recovery.
• Meet with clients in a wide range of settings, including client, group or family homes, in community-based outpatient settings, community agencies.
• Assist clients in obtaining services that suit the individuals recovery needs by providing community resources and groups that may be useful. Inform clients about community and natural supports and how to use these in the recovery process.
• Promote collaboration and sharing of resources for clients in community, food, clothing, transportation, recreation, medical, housing, shelters and employment, as appropriate.
• Assist clinical staff in maintaining accurate data by outreaching clients and meeting with them one-to-one to ensure all forms are up-to-date and entered in the organization's electronic health record.
• Provide transportation for clients in personal vehicle and/or create access to services in another manner.
• Assist in navigation and advocacy with clients' appointments and attendance including criminal justice proceedings, medical, and others needs.
• Staff member will monitor and coordinate care for assigned clients in partnership with the other members of the clients care team.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Valid Colorado Driver's License with a driving record that meets organization's requirements.
• High school diploma/GED.
• Lived experience with behavioral health concerns.
• Completion of a Clinical peer specialist or peer coach course.
• Preferred: Clinical Peer Specialist certification.

Required Vaccinations and TB Test.

AMHR has prioritized the health and safety of our clients and staff and requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, receive an annual influenza (flu) shot, and receive negative TB test results prior to their first day of hire. Proof of both vaccinations and negative TB test will be required upon your first day of employment. Medical and religious exemptions may be requested for the COVID 19 vaccine, annual flu shot or TB test.

Benefits:

• Health insurance: Kaiser
• Dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (dependent care & health care)
• Company paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability coverage*
• 403(b) retirement plan which provides 100% vesting immediately, and matching contributions up to 4% after one year of employment
• Accrued Vacation pay up to 12 days and accrued Sick Pay up to 12 days per year, plus 10 Paid Company Holidays, and 2 floating holidays (hours calculated pro-rata basis based on full-time equivalency)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary term life insurance
• Short term disability*

*Eligible for benefit if working 30 hours per week or more

Our Mission, Vision and Core Values.

Mission: Deeply rooted in our diverse community, we deliver state-of-the-art care and meaningful outcomes that impact emotional well-being and addiction recovery.

Vision: To foster hope and healing through compassionate, quality care.

Core Values: Passionate caring; Rising to the challenge; Honoring and respecting all persons; Believing in resilience; Putting clients and community first; Commitment to collaboration and teamwork

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery and subsidiaries (AMHR) are dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. We do not tolerate discrimination in any form or context including harassment or exclusion.

Diversity Statement.

We are committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strive to ensure that it is interwoven into the fabric of our organization. We support and nourish an inclusive and welcoming environment for employees from diverse backgrounds.