Peer Support Specialist

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides direct care to patients with a combination of mental health and basic living support to prevent the need for more intrusive level of care. Patient care will be provided at home or office or in other community locations to support activities of daily living.
2. Provides support and advocacy for an assigned group of patients.

1. Supports patients with behavioral health symptom management.
2. Provides support navigating resources and systems such as but not limited to housing options, food resources, mental health and physical health supports.
3. Engages patients on alternatives to emergency or hospital care.
4. Participates in collaborative multidisciplinary team when applicable.
5. Delivers crisis response as needed under the supervision of the Community Services Director.
6. Works cooperatively with referral agencies, case managers, service providers and natural supports.
7. Helps patient with paperwork and entitlement applications.
8. Participates in patient-centered comprehensive assessment and person-centered service plans as needed.
9. Participate in Quality Improvement activities, including data collection, tracking, and analysis.
10. Maintain an active workload in accordance with minimum caseload requirements, clinical quality standards and quality management plan protocols.
11. Record and maintain documentation. Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
12. Develop additional programs/recovery groups to meet the needs of the patients. 
13. Adhere to all policies and procedures set forth by Prairie Ridge including all necessary paperwork requirements and deadlines.
14. Treat all individuals with dignity and respect while maintaining agency standards of confidentiality, professionalism and objectivity. 
15. Adhere to all confidentiality requirements and regulations as outlined in CARF policies and procedures.
16. All other duties as assigned by direct supervisor, direct line of authority and/or regulatory bodies.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
2. Actual lived experience accessing mental health services and/or substance use treatment services for self (required).
3. Knowledge of, and experience in working with adults with mental illness and/or substance use (required).
4. Peer Supports must participate in the Peer Support training in the first available training post hire.
5. Understanding of the mission of Prairie Ridge and the patients we work with.
6. Proficiency in oral and written communication skills as well as record keeping.
7. Technology skills allowing for proficiency in the use of an electronic health record.
8. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is often required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance.
9. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
10. The employee must possess a valid driver’s license, liability insurance policy, and a reliable means of transportation.

Salary : $17