Peer Support Specialist (59362)

Summary of Position: The purpose of this full-time benefitted eligible position is to champion the needs of the patients at the medical respite program by providing a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment.  The patient support specialist will assist in reaching long-term and short-term goals both in and out of respite.   This is a safety sensitive position.

Essential Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with admissions, discharges, and familiarity with the respite center
• Support substance use  recovery in a harm reduction and trauma-informed manner
• Works in conjunction with the RN Program Manager to enhance the respite program and promote services
• Will help plan and implement groups in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC), focused on optimal mental health including topics centered on well-being, motivational interviewing, distress tolerance, coping skills, etc.
• Responds to urgent situations as they arise in a trauma-informed manner
• Completes required documentation in electronic health record as required
• Participate in group and individual supervision
• Provides excellent customer service creating an environment of collaboration
• Attend required meetings and complete mandatory training
• May be required to provide transportation on an as needed basis
• Performs other duties as required

Qualifications:

            Basic Knowledge/Skills:

• Basic knowledge of principles of behavioral health recovery
• Able to obtain vital signs accurately
• Proficient in reading and writing skills in English
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, challenging environment
• Ability to apply critical thinking and respond calmly to challenging situations
• Demonstrates interest in working with an underserved population
• BLS Certification

Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED)
• Lived experience required
• Completion of Peer Support training and Peer Support certification
• Fingerprint clearance card required
• Minimum 1 year  experience in the behavioral health field
• Experience in a medical environment highly desirable
• Bi-lingual- Spanish highly desired
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Valid Arizona driver’s license, in effect for at least 3 years

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Position requires extended periods of sitting and standing
• Position requires regular bending and reaching
• Must be able to lift, carry and push 20 pounds on an occasional basis
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis