Peer Support Specialist (60076)

Summary of Position:

The purpose of this full-time benefited 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 duties:

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 and 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.
• 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.