Jail Peer Support Specialist

Under the supervision of the Diversion Services Supervisor, the Jail Peer Support Specialist works closely with jail partners to support adult individuals identified in jail with a severe mental illness (SMI) or co-occurring SMI and substance use disorder who will be transitioning from jail to the community. The goal is to improve quality of life, support physical and mental health stabilization, and reduce recidivism. The Jail Peer Support Specialist exemplifies service excellence by providing peer support services with a trauma-informed and person-centered approach. This position performs care coordination activities, promotes individualized success in recover options and transition into outpatient services. Responsibilities include engagement, performing Continuity of Care Query (CCQ) screenings, skills training and psychosocial rehabilitation services. Care coordination is essential and will be provided ensuring individuals receive timely access to quality care, working with entire LifePath Systems team and other community organizations to identify needs and reduce barriers to care. Emphasis will be placed on assisting individuals with benefit applications and housing resources. The Jail Peers Support Specialist will support medication continuity, facilitate access to timely and appropriate behavioral health services, and provide support and care coordination during the transition period from incarceration to ensure connection to individuals needs as soon as they are released. Other duties as assigned to meet program and individual needs.

This position exemplifies service excellence by providing peer support services and an overview of LifePath Systems services and then connects to outpatient behavioral health services. Services will be provided with a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

This position practices good stewardship of resources by ensuring all required training is completed prior to due date and center-issued equipment is maintained in good condition. The Jail Peer Support Specialist will link individuals to additional resources as needed to support their goals.

Integrity is necessary to ensure adherence to the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Administrative Code, contracts, applicable grants, and Lifepath Systems policies and procedures. This position will work closely with fidelity managers and leadership to ensure that all gaps are reconciled.

This position builds and maintains positive relationships with jail staff, mental health professionals, and other community stakeholders. Must demonstrate professional conduct with Peers, Leadership and Support teams at all times. In addition, close working relationships and professional conduct while coordinating care with outside entities is required.

Working independently and collaboratively to maintain appropriate boundaries and foster better outcomes for individuals served and facilitating improvement in measurable ways, is central to LifePath Systems mission to serve. This position must have the ability to assess and de-escalate behavioral health crisis situations in a calm and respectful manner.

Expectations include timely and thorough documentation, time management and organizational skills, effective scheduling, and participation in treatment team meetings. This position will work closely with criminal justice and other community agencies. Goal is to link criminal justice involved individuals with appropriate mental health and substance

use disorder services in order to reduce recidivism while treating for serious mental illness to ensure individuals receive the services they need to remain stable and functioning in the community.

Specific Targets: All individuals released from jail are provided resources and referrals. 90% of services notes are signed within 2 business days of service. Direct service hours anticipated per month are no less than 50% of work time and meet utilization management standards by level of care. 90% of full chart reviews receive a score of 80 or higher in following the Golden Thread. All required trainings are completed prior to due date. Attends monthly team meeting. Participates in treatment team meetings. Meets with Peer Support Specialist Supervisor for coaching as indicated.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances that require the use of Paid Time Off, employees are expected to notify their supervisor as soon as possible but at least within 1 hour of their regularly scheduled work time.

If Bilingual and receiving stipend, employee will be available to translate for other staff as needed and will utilize approved language in the provision of services as needed.

Qualifications

• Must have either 1) a High School Diploma; OR 2) a High School Equivalency Certificate (GED) issued in accordance with the law of the issuing state.
• Must have at least one (1) year of receiving mental health community services with a primary diagnosis of mental illness.
• Must demonstrate, at minimum, one year active recovery and/or sobriety.
• Must be eligible and successfully become a Certified Peer Specialist within 12 months of employment.
• At least one (1) year prior experience in a mental health field and jail setting preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources and of program policies and procedures.
• Ability to assess individual’s needs, to coordinate services, to communicate effectively and to train others.
• Knowledge and experience in providing case management, skills training, psychosocial rehabilitation, and symptom management services to individuals with a mental illness.
• Be able to complete detailed, concise progress notes on all services provided during the sessions to meet timely documentation standards.
• Have the knowledge of the social services system and the ability to connect individuals with appropriate services.
• Be able to write clearly and professionally.
• Can think clearly and logically, to deal with potentially dangerous and/or emotional situations, and utilize de-escalation techniques.
• Have good time management and organizational skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively as needed and have effective communication with supervisory staff when necessary.