Summary & Qualifications

Under supervision of the Behavioral Health Program Manager, this position will support the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program at Peach Tree Health (PTH). The SUD program is a community-based program with a target population of adults and children that are unhoused or precariously housed, and also experience mental illness, emotional disturbance, substance use and co-occurring disorders. Individuals served in the SUD program, often have complex care needs that require comprehensive team-based care. The SUD Peer Support Specialist is responsible for managing an assigned caseload. The position works as a part of a multi-disciplinary team to help support participants in learning skills to make behavioral changes to improve their health and wellness via harm-reduction, recovery support services, and care coordination. Under minimal supervision, work independently and in close collaboration with PTH staff, medical and behavioral health staff and other community agencies to provide outreach, navigational and direct services to maximize health outcomes.

PTH utilizes a harm reduction approach to promote self-determination and change. The SUD Peer Support Specialist will engage with participants to offer support, advocacy, and assistance to navigate treatment services to address mental illness and substance use, including care coordination and case management. The SUD Support Specialist will work with patients both individually and in group settings.

Knowledge of: Some knowledge of mental health problems of persons served by community mental health programs; knowledge of related community organizations and lines of communication; techniques of support and care for mentally disturbed patients; CPR and first aid administration; an understanding of the principles, practices and methods of individual and group counseling; basic mathematics; standard office equipment; and clerical activities related to an organization's programs and operations.

Ability to: Work effectively with professional and other staff members in carrying out the work of the therapy team; be certified in CPR and first aid administration; maintain confidentiality of patient/client information; learn and understand factors important to behavior patterns and appropriate intervention techniques for mentally ill patients; take initiative with patient interaction and in maintaining the work environment; establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with individuals and groups; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; prepare and maintain records; learn basic principles of department program services and policies; operate standard office equipment; and operate a motor vehicle.

Work Expectations & Experience:

1. Works closely with the participants and the care team to support participants achieve goals.
2. Co-jointly develop and implement recovery strategies with participants.
3. Facilitates education and support groups to promote health and wellness.
4. Responds to participants’ requests as needed and in a timely manner.
5. Coordinates and refers participant to outside resources and referral sources for housing (including but not limited to HUD, Section 8, Sacramento Steps Forward, etc).
6. Assists participants in utilization of services both in-house and outside the agency, maintains follow up contacts and coordination of care.
7. Works closely with participants to develop individualized recovery plans to meet their needs.
8. Work in partnership with participants to develop and implement self-management strategies based on their needs and goals.
9. Assists participants in increasing social support networks of relatives, friends and/or significant others.
10. Advocates on participants’ behalf as needed to protect participant rights and to assist in reducing associated stigma.
11. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of all interactions, including telephone calls in the in the Electronic Health Record system (EHR).
12. Works in collaboration with other providers, family members and/or significant others involved in the participant’s recovery plan.
13. Uses effective interpersonal skills and sound judgement to determine how best to collaborate with co-workers, supervisors, staff and outside organizations as necessary for the completion of duties and responsibilities.
14. Responsible for understanding participants’ rights and PTH’s policies and procedures.
15. Adheres to strict boundaries and professional ethics in the care of others.
16. Maintains confidentiality laws and regulations to protect health information.
17. Attend all mandatory webinars, conferences and team meetings as assigned by supervisor.
18. Participates in ongoing education and training for professional development.
19. Performs other duties as assigned and be able to make adjustments as the PTH SUD program evolves.

1. hes to work assignments.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. AA or higher degree, in social sciences or case management.
2. Familiar with Yuba, Sutter, and Sacramento community resources and social service agencies.
3. Past experience working directly with people in a service-oriented field is beneficial.
4. Active membership in a consumer advocacy or self-help group.

Skills

• License or Certificate: Must obtain valid CPR certification within six months and maintain valid CPR certification. Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's license.
• Demonstrate safe use of equipment and report malfunctions.
• Computer literacy, ability to conduct data entry and create charts (via EMR)
• Responds to requests for information or assistance from therapists.
• Flexible, intuitive, yet firm; Professional and compassionate
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to exercise clinical judgement
• Strong time management skills
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible
• Works well with others; Values being a team player

Travel Requirements

Required travel to Peach Tree Health clinics (Linda, Yuba City, North Sacramento, Live Oak) required on a regular basis. Occasionally may travel to other sites to attend meetings, training, or to cover other shifts.

Tools & Technology

Tools: Calculators or accessories; Photocopiers; Scanners; Faxing equipment; Computers and Keyboards; Telephones

Technology: Patient charting and scheduling software - NextGen; Microsoft Office programs; Electronic Mail – Microsoft Outlook, SDS

Abilities

Verbal and written communication; Problem solving; critical thinking and time management; de-escalation techniques preferred.

Work Activities

Communication with patients, providers, peers, supervisors, information management; computer use; administrative activities; decision making and problem solving; time management of work flow; ability to set priorities; documentation in EHR etc.

Work Styles

Integrity; Dependability; Attention to Detail; Cooperation; Independence; Initiative; Self Control; Adaptability/Flexibility; Concern for Others; Stress management

Work Context

Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of the job, with or without accommodation. Prospective employees must complete a pre-employment medical exam (Occupational Group IV) which will measure the ability to:

• See well enough to read fine print and view a computer screen; speak and hear well enough to understand, respond, and communicate clearly in person and on the telephone; independent body mobility sufficient to stand, sit, walk, lift or move, stoop, and bend to access the work environment and a standard office environment; manual dexterity and sufficient use of hands, arms and shoulders to repetitively operate a keyboard and to write; and the ability to sit or walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally may be required to lift/move or assist in lifting/moving up to 50lbs.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Work Environment: Generally, a typical office environment.