Peer Support Specialist

https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Position Summary:

The Peer Specialist provides support for medical services by assisting with treatment plans; treatment plan reviews; patient assistance programs; IDP, outcomes; authorization overrides; follow-ups, State paperwork and referrals. Conducts face-to-face visits; handles medical service related telephone calls with individuals receiving medical outpatient mental health services. The Peer Support Specialist also provides the consumer perspective to recovery and empowers the client.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as a member of the Comprehensive Care Team (CCT)
• Participate in the development of person-centered Wellness and Recovery plans that integrate all clinical and non-clinical health-care related needs and services with the individual and the CCT
• Encourages and supports his/her peers in achieving the goals described in the individual’s Wellness and Recovery plan
• Support and encourage their peers to be effective self-advocates
• Promotes and encourages recovery based on SAMHSA’s Guiding Principles of Recovery
• Apply Motivational Interviewing strategies to effectively engage service recipients
• Apply Collaborative Care techniques as presented in the IMPACT model of integrated healthcare
• Provide health promotion activities to other individuals with SMI and encourage participation in  health promotion activities that are available in the community 
• Assists and support clients with referrals and linkages to community and social support services 
• Facilitate Psycho-educational activities for groups and individuals in accordance with the approved curriculum Solutions for Wellness and Team Solutions
• Documents  services  provided  to  the  client  in  the  medical  record
• locate PBHCI clients and conduct follow up NOMS assessments due
• Participate in case conference
• Participate in training, as required, including e-learning
• Participate in Performance Improvement activities
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Completes all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

Certifications/Licensures:

• HIV/AIDS 104 Basic Education and valid CPR Certificates are required. 20 hours of continuing education required annually.
• Must hold a current Peer Certification as CPPS and/or CPRS from Florida Certification Board or must be able to obtain certification within 1 year of employment.
   

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Master’s level degree preferred

Experience and Competencies: 

• Training and or Experience in Crisis Intervention Preferred
• Must be a current recipient of behavioral health services with a minimum of two years in recovery (mental health and, if applicable, substance abuse).  
• Medical Terminology and understanding, written and verbal communication skills and administrative and clerical skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of theoretical and practical concepts of individual, group and family behavior 
• Demonstrated ability to deal with crisis situations                            
• Demonstrated ability to manage change and achieve results
• Demonstrated ability to expedite a voluminous flow of detailed work                                
• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear and precise reports                           
• Demonstrated ability to follow and interpret instructions                            
• Demonstrated ability to appropriately and efficiently identify, prioritize and follow through on assignments                            
• Working knowledge of reimbursement related rules and requirement                               
• Ability to react appropriately in a Medical/Psychiatric emergency. 
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion for client during Med/Psych crisis
• Ability to comply with all statutory requirements and professional/ethical responsibilities concerning confidentiality.  
• Ability to demonstrate respect in all dealings with clients.  Takes time to make sure that clients understand communications.  Deals with other staff in a respectful and collegial fashion.
•  Ability to seek direction from Supervisor when appropriate. 
• Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values
• Knowledge of Incident Reporting
• Knowledge of HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Client Rights and Confidentiality
• Familiarity with WestCare services and programs
• Understanding of issues related to cultural identity, ethnic background, age, developmental level, gender and sexual orientation in prevention, intervention and treatment.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively with culturally diverse staff and clients
• Demonstrates respect for an individual’s cultural and ethnic values when interacting with them
• Ability to use trauma informed care principles including ensuring client safety, preventing/avoiding re-traumatization, maximizing trustworthiness, enhancing client choice, maximizing collaboration, and emphasizing empowerment                           
• Ability to identify and describe key signs, symptoms, impact and manifestations of trauma
• Aware of the differences between trauma informed and trauma-specific services 
• Understands the bidirectional relationships among substance use and mental disorders and trauma
• Understands the differences among various kinds of abuse and trauma, including: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; domestic violence; experiences of war for both combat veterans and survivors of war; natural disasters; and community violence
• Demonstrates a high degree of dependability.
  • Maintains a good attendance record.
  • Observes working hours
  • Shows flexibility and is responsive to requests from supervisor
  • Works independently with minimal supervision
  • Exhibits characteristics of good workmanship, and integrity on the job
  • Work time is always productive
• Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies
  • Is courteous to clients, staff, and all others.
  • Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time.
  • Cooperates with others both within and outside WestCare.
  • Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision
  • Maintains a positive attitude toward work
• Ensures and maintains a safe working environment.
  • Work area is clean and orderly.
  • Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures.
  • Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center’s reporting procedures
  • Presents a positive personal image
  • Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a residential treatment setting

Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or

without accommodation:

Physical Demands: 

• Occasional lift and/or carry over 20 lb. 
• Occasional twist and/or turn.
• Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files). 
• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.  Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. 
• Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication. 
• Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee’s essential job functions and to observe activities in and out of the facility. 
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues.  However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

Mental Demands: 

• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels in order to exchange ideas, information, instructions and opinions.  
• Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings. 
• Must be able to handle time management demands of program needs and deadlines.

Salary : $20 - $25