Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) Homeless Outreach Team

JOB SUMMARY:

PRSS works toward development of natural supports and necessary coping skills for clients to function as independently as possible in the community. PRSS must have experience as a recipient of mental health or substance use services. PRSS provides peer counseling to clients, while promoting self-determination in the treatment process. Services predominantly delivered to adult population with serious mental illness, substance abuse, co-occurring and/or medically co-morbid diagnosis. Family & Children's Services utilizes the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model of care. As a member of a multi-disciplinary care team, you will successfully support clients by providing whole person care with this transformative model.

Population Served: Serve adult clients, age 18 and older, that are diagnosed with a severe mental illness, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder and also experiencing homelessness.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Office and field based services with regular transportation of clients with case managers using agency or personal vehicles
• Provide a variety of services for identified needs including but not limited to:
  • Teach and mentor the value of every individual’s recovery experience individually and in a group setting
  • Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
  • Proactively engage clients in services
  • Possess communication skills to teach new concepts and ideas to others
  • Assist in setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups
  • Support clients in using a WRAP – Wellness Recovery Action Plan or Psychiatric Advanced Directive
  • Assist in building social skills in the community that will enhance quality of life
  • Support the development of natural support systems
  • Possess knowledge about various mental health settings and community resources (i.e. local shelter, housing, food pantry, vocational resources, and other homeless resources)
• Provide services in-person or via telehealth platforms
• Services range in intensity from monthly contact to weekly/daily contact
• Embed outreach and other services in alternate locations and with community providers to reduce barriers to access
• Work with clients with active mental health symptoms and within their treatment preferences
• Meet clients where they are in the community, including homeless shelters, private homes, or outdoors, promoting confidentiality in all settings
• Demonstrate comfort and flexibility while working with clients in difficult life circumstances, which may include individuals living in substandard conditions
• Gather and complete all CCBHC data metrics for homeless population served

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Must be a high school graduate or have HS equivalent

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum one-year specialized experience as a recipient of mental health services for mental illness and experience working with adults with mental illness

PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES:

• Communication
• Decision Making
• Engagement
• Initiative and Accountability
• Interpersonal
• Learning
• Organizational Alignment
• Quality of Work

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing priorities, unexpected situations, and new challenges while remaining productive and effective.
• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with clients, families, caregivers, colleagues, and community partners.
• Initiative: The ability to work independently with limited supervision and produce results in a timely, accurate and meaningful manner.
• Cooperation: The ability to work effectively with others is important for successful multidisciplinary teamwork. This includes the ability to work cooperatively, to contribute positively to group dynamics, and to share knowledge and resources.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to solve complex problems and make informed decisions by objectively assessing information, evaluating available resources, considering multiple perspectives, and applying sound judgment.
• Professional Boundaries: The ability to establish clear limits to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards while interacting with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders.  Strong boundaries ensure an effective balance between empathy and objectivity, creating a respectful and safe environment.
• Autonomy: Having the self-discipline to initiate and prioritize work, remain self-motivated, manage time independently, and ensure effective client care delivery with minimal direct oversight. 

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

• ODMHSAS Case Manager I Certification, completed within 60 days of eligibility.
• Must possess a valid Driver License and satisfactory driving record to use agency and/or personal automobile to travel to locations other than primary office and/or for the transportation of clients.
• PRSS Certification Required

Certification Fees:

• PRSS Certification: $26 application fee (required before start date).
• CM1 Certification:
  • $25 application fee
  • $50 training fee
  • $45 exam fee

SAFETY SENSITIVE JOB CLASSIFICATION:

This job is classified as a “safety-sensitive” position as defined by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act.  Due to the “safety-sensitive” classification, an employee in this position would be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing.  Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening.  Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana per the Family & Children’s Services Drug Free Workplace Policy, including possible revocation of a job offer or dismissal from employment.

Salary : $25 - $50