Peer Support Specialist - Residential

Overview

The Peer Support Specialist is a present or past client of mental health services with sufficient recovery to provide peer support services to people with psychiatric illness. The incumbent works as an active member of the treatment team, providing a wide range of peer support services to clients to assist them in regaining control over their own lives and their own recovery process. 

Responsibilities

Assists clients in identifying their personal recovery goals, assists in setting objectives for each goal, and determines interventions to be used based on the clients’ recovery/life goals. 

Models and teaches good communication skills, recovery-oriented living skills, effective coping skills, and self-help strategies to individuals and groups.

Develops and maintains a therapeutic relationship with clients so that he/she can identify emotional, psychiatric or behavioral changes which may require further intervention or treatment.  Helps clients resolve the problem, and/or refer the clients to the appropriate clinical staff.

Serves as liaison to community resources, and assists clients in using these resources to enhance their independent living skills.

Observes and monitors clients and documents changes in behaviors and mental and medical conditions.

Informs lead staff persons, program managers and other pertinent parties of clients’ needs or concerns.

Monitors and assists clients in learning daily living skills.

Transports clients as requested.

Monitors safety and security of the environment 

Assists in management of behavioral emergencies.

Keeps up-to-date documentation and audits client charts, answers phones, enters information into computer, and schedules appointments.

Assists clients with banking, shopping, cooking, cleaning, transportation, job and housing search, mental and physical health provider appointments, and social service providers.

Acts as member of treatment team, providing input into and utilizing feedback from clients, to ensure best possible outcomes for clients. 

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and a general understanding of the population served. Some post-secondary coursework preferred.

Have a history of receiving mental health services and be well-grounded in one’s own recovery, with at least a year since diagnosis preferred. Knowledge and skills sufficient for establishing effective relationships with clients who have a mental illness in order to support them in their own recovery. Competency in recognizing behavioral issues and symptoms of mental illnesses for the purpose of electronic documentation and communication with members of the treatment team. 

Must be eligible to become certified as a Peer Support Specialist – Adult Mental Health on the State registry https://traditionalhealthworkerregistry.oregon.gov/, and attend required trainings for certification when available.

Certification prior to hire preferred.

Candidates must be able to use e-mail, compose documents, save and locate documents electronically, and learn to use our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Proficiency in Word and other MS Office applications preferred. 

Must pass state-required background and DMV checks; possess a valid OR driver's license and a satisfactory driving record to transport clients. Candidate must be able to work independently and flexibly, under general supervision.

Possess mature attitude and sensitivity to the needs of people who have a chronic mental illness; understanding of HIPAA laws regarding confidentiality of privileged information; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to work independently and with staff as agency needs dictate.

Options for Southern Oregon recognizes that in order to best serve the healthcare needs of our communities and fulfill our mission, we must learn, grow, incorporate, and value the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and in our lives.  We are committed to the continued development of an aware, diverse, and culturally responsive workforce and an organizational culture that is supportive and affirming for all staff and clients.  Options acknowledges that incorporating EDI principles in our practices is an ongoing learning process and we are committed to using our voice to effect positive change.  We recognize that making an impact on health inequities in our community will take more than just a statement and, to this end, our goals, planning, and actions aim to promote and develop equitable and effective health care services to reflect the needs of our diverse communities.

Options for Southern Oregon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.