Peer Support Specialist

Job Summary:
As a member of the Behavioral Health (BH) team, the Peer Support Specialist’ (PSS) primary focus is assisting providers and patients in the areas of substance use disorder/behavioral health recovery. This position directly engages with clients receiving services from BH, including mental health and drug and alcohol clients, providing peer support services, and serves as a mentor by assisting clients in finding community resources. The selected individual will receive guidance from Behavioral Health Clinicians and the drug and alcohol team to ensure safe and effective coordinated care.

Responsibilities:

1. Advocating on behalf of BH/Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) clients and promoting self-advocacy.

2. Analyze and coordinate each client situation and work with the Behavioral Health Clinicians to adopt an effective course of action that supports the clients to participate in ongoing services to further recovery.

3. Assist with resource navigation and supporting linkages to community resources.

4. Meet with clients regularly to provide them with counseling and assistance.

5. Educate clients and their families about the process of recovery including;

a. Rehabilitation options.

b. Develop coping mechanisms, and rehabilitation tactics with the client.

c. Offer emotional support to clients of other professionals who support them.

d. Accompanying clients to self-help meetings, cultural events and other recovery groups/classes.

e. Engaging in structured activities such as self-help and individual strength-based coaching

f. Assist client in preparing for an obtaining reliable work.

6. Respond to and direct calls for assistance and client emergencies as needed.

7. Collaborate with the Case Management team, clients, their families, and others who provide care or support to help the clients meet their goals.

8. Promote skill building for clients in the areas of socialization, recovery, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and maintenance of skills learned in other support services.

9. Interpret applicable Mental Health program policies and procedures in order to maximize the assistance provided.

10. Maintain records of client case management using the electronic health records system, ensuring HIPAA compliance at all times.

11. Coordinate, facilitate and conduct support meetings.

12. Provide monthly reports to the Behavioral Health Director on monthly activities.

13. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Must have a high school diploma or the equivalence.

2. One year of experience working as a Client Support Assistant preferred.

3. Must have or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire, Peer Support Specialist certification.

4. Have paid or volunteer experience in peer support.

5. Experience with self-help groups such as Red Road or other 12 step meetings.

6. Experience working with families and individuals who have mental illness and substance use disorder diagnosis.

7. Excellent knowledge of case management principles, and healthcare management.

8. Excellent organizational and time management skills

9. Must be able to work in a teamwork setting as well as demonstrate ability to work independently.

10. Must have great customer service skills and ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate cultural competency with the Native American community.

11. Personal experience in navigating mental health/AOD crises

12. The ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor during stressful situations

13. Maintain a current CPR card.

14. Be willing to submit to and pass a pre-employment drug screening test.

15. Preference will be given to Native Americans in accordance with P.L. 93-638.

Driver’s License requirement:

1. Possession of a valid driver's license with no DUI within last 5 years.

2. Must be willing to travel overnight for transports, in addition to week long trainings out of town may be mandatory.

3. Up to two weekend days may be required per year for attendance to cultural events/recovery events.

Pay: $19.33 - $21.54 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $22