Description

StarCare Specialty Health System seeks to hire a qualified and compassionate Veteran Peer Support Specialist to join the VetStar-Amarillo Team!

Peer Support Specialist Responsibilities:

• The Peer Support Specialist ("Specialist") is a service member, veteran, or their family (SMVF) who has lived experiences in mental health, trauma, substance use, aging conditions, or chronic health disorders and is maintaining their long-term recovery.
• The Specialist uses their experiences to assist other SMVF in their journeys of transition and recovery through trauma-informed peer support services and activities listed below.
• The Specialist models recovery and resiliency and must be able to leverage their experiences to educate and advocate for other SMVF.
• The Specialist must be able to “meet the veteran where they are” and leverage technology and resources to provide timely non-clinical peer support services. Service settings include office-based, community-based (e.g. home-visits), detention, and clinical settings.
• The specialist must maintain timely documentation of services provided according to policy and must participate in quality improvement activities including continued education and file review.
• The Specialist must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance credentials for detention facilities.
• The Specialist must obtain peer certification from an agency selected by the supervisor that reflects their peer qualifications within their first year of employment.

Services and Activities Include:

• Operation of the Peer Network Center inside the Veterans Resource Center in Amarillo.
• Facilitate and engage in support groups and their networks pertinent to SMVF interests.
• Provide information and referral services to SMVF.
• Participate in SMVF advocacy groups and their networks and exhibit critical thinking and judgement necessary to support many pathways to recovery.
• Offer SMVF technical assistance, including in veteran, public, or charitable services and benefits.
• Facilitate and engage in life skills trainings and their networks pertinent to SMVF interests.
• Provide other direct services as needed to facilitate SMVF.
• Work collaboratively to enhance service utilization including providing general consultation to staff and case management teams.

This program is supported by the Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.TVC.Texas.gov.

Schedule: This is full-time / non-exempt position working Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm with flexibility to meet the needs of the program. Must live in Amarillo or the surrounding area and be able to work on-site.

Benefit Package: StarCare offers an expansive benefit package including, but not limited to: Company-paid medical coverage, fully funded employer contribution to HSA, company-paid life insurance, company paid hospital indemnity plan, 401k with up to 12% employer match, front loaded paid time off (PTO), thirteen (13) paid holidays, sabbatical leave, longevity augmentations, and employee referral augmentations.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in Human Services or a related field is preferred.
• Some college and/or high school diploma and two (2) years experience in Human Services will be considered.
• Preference will be given to a Veteran or member of the U.S. Armed Forces (any branch), an experienced veteran caregiver, or someone with direct work experience with state or federal military and veteran programs.

• Personal experience in mental health, trauma, substance use, aging conditions, or chronic health disorders and maintenance of long-term recovery from that experience is required.

Additional Requirements:

• Certification in peer qualifications is required within one year of employment.
• The specialist must be able to obtain security credentials for entrance to detention facilities.
• Skill in operating standard office machines (telephone phone, fax, copier, calculator, etc.) and personal computer with experience with the standard Microsoft Office suite (excel, word, outlook, etc.).
• Some regional travel is required. Must have reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursed at the Agency's approved rate.
• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and be insurable under agency insurance.
• Must pass a pre-hire drug screen and criminal background check.

WHY CHOOSE STARCARE?

Welcome to StarCare Specialty Health System, where your passion for making a difference thrives! At StarCare, we imagine a community where all people have hope and the opportunity to achieve their full potential for health and wellbeing. Here's why you should choose StarCare:

1. Impactful Purpose: Contribute to meaningful change as the state-designated Local Authority for mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. Be a catalyst for positive empowerment.
2. Comprehensive Care: StarCare offers a diverse array of specialty healthcare services that support and empower people as valued members of the community.
3. Collaborative Environment: StarCare is proud to work with a network of community stakeholders to ensure all people have access to the healthcare they need.
4. Professional Growth: StarCare offers many different opportunities for growth in the fields of mental health, substance use disorders, aging, intellectual & developmental disabilities, veterans, and healthcare administration. Come grow your career with us!
5. Legacy of Service: Since 1967, StarCare has provided hope and health to Lubbock, Hockley, Lynn, Crosby, and Cochran counties.

At StarCare Specialty Health System, your work is not a job; it’s a fulfilling journey of providing hope and supporting and empowering people as valued members of the community. Ready to get started? We’ve been waiting for you!

EEO Statement: StarCare Specialty Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.