Peer Support Specialist Contra Costa Action

MHS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve people’s lives and instill hope by providing cost-effective community-based mental health, drug and alcohol recovery, and housing services. We continually seek new and improved ways of serving our clients and communities. MHS is an essential business. 

JOB SUMMARY

Incumbent will serve as Peer Support Specialist for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) services and subsequent Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for Laura’s Law/AB 1421 eligible adults with serious mental illness in Contra Costa County. The Peer Support Specialist utilizes his or her experiences as a recipient of mental health services to enhance recovery efforts of clients. He or she serves as a member of a multidisciplinary team and shares practical and personal experience, knowledge and insight related to illness management, life skills, and the lifelong process of recovery. The Peer Support Specialist actively promotes greater understanding of clients’ points of view and preferences. The Peer Support Specialist also fulfills duties related to supportive counseling, rehabilitation, and collateral interactions with natural supports. The range of authority and decision making for this position is limited to and consistent with MHS Policy for Peer Specialist staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides peer counseling and support, drawing on own experiences as a consumer to build trust and commonality. 
• The majority of AOT ACT services are provided in the community and client residences and requires client transportation in personal and/or company vehicles. Provides on-call, after-hours, and weekend/holiday services as required by contract. 
• Serves as a mentor to clients, and families and promotes empowerment and hope. 
• Knowledge of Assisted Outpatient Treatment and Assertive Community Treatment model as it relates to client care. 
• Knowledge of Assertive Community Treatment, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and CCISC principles. 
• Create written documentation that is legible, clear, and concise. 
• Provides expertise and consultation to other staff members from a mental health consumer perspective to enhance empathy and professional effectiveness. 
• Promotes a team culture characterized by openness to clients’ experiences and encouragement of self-determination throughout treatment planning process. 
• Advocates for clients by educating about grievance or complaint procedures. 
• Performs shift management duties in coordination with other AOT ACT staff as directed by Program Supervisor and/or Program Manager. Functions as assistant to shift manager when assigned. 
• Provides education and support to clients about stigma and ways to combat it. 
• Provides education and support to family members, including peer and family run support groups. 
• Introduces clients to CommonGround software, assisting clients in completing the CommonGround Health Report before medical office visits. 
• Serves as liaison between the team and consumer-run programs and encourages clients’ use of these. 
• Provide ongoing ‘side-by-side’ services related to skills development. 
• Maintains knowledge of best practices by reading appropriate publications, attending seminars, conferences, and other training, as necessary. 
• Comply with all MHS and program rules, policies and procedures including HIPAA standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. and at least one year’s experience working in a social service setting serving individuals with mental illness. 
• Self-acknowledged mental health consumer who has or is receiving services for serious mental illness. 
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite and EHR software.
• Ability to problem solve and react appropriately to emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate with a team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

☒ Seeing

☒ Hearing

☒ Speaking

☒ Stooping/Bending

☐ Working in cramped spaces

☒ Moving around office

☒ Moving between offices/clients

☒ Driving

☒ Climbing

☒ Lifting/carrying heavy items

☐ Pushing/pulling/dragging items

☒ Standing for long periods

☐ Working outside/underground

☒ Using hands/fingers

☒ Sitting for long periods of time

I can perform the above job duties:

☐ Without accommodation               ☐ With accommodation. If so, please specify: 

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

MHS is committed to Equal Opportunity Employment and to attracting and retaining the most qualified employees without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability or protected veteran status.