What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Peer Support Specialist - Child Care Management position at RIVER VALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH?
Job Summary:
Utilizes and shares personal experience as a recipient of mental health services to benefit the team and its participants. Serves as a fully integrated team member to provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management and the persistence required by participants.
Essential Duties:
- Provides peer counseling and consultation to participants, families and team staff.
- Acts as a liaison with community resources.
- Carries out rehabilitation and support functions.
- Assists in treatment, education, support and consultation to families.
- Participates in the In Reach Program with the coordinator at various personal care homes.
Education and Experience:
- Experience working (either in a paid or volunteer position) with individuals with mental illness or similar populations (i.e. homeless, individuals with severe addictions).
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field; OR
- At least 2 years paid or volunteer work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
- Valid KY Driver’s license and clean driving record to be insurable by agency liability insurance company.
- Current CPR/First aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of beginning employment.
- Peer Specialist Certification strongly preferred or ability/willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
Other Requirements:
- Must have been a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness with strong self-knowledge and sufficiently progressed in their own recovery in order to be able to effectively manage their mental illness.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
- Ability to work under pressure, to listen to participant’s concerns and recommend and/or take appropriate action.
- Problem solving and conflict resolution/mediation skills.
- Commitment to the right and ability of persons with severe and persistent mental illness to live in a normal community residence, work in jobs and have access to adequate, competent and continuous supports and services.
- Clear understanding of the characteristics and problems of adults with severe mental illnesses.
- Computer literate, including basic Microsoft word applications
- Strong team skills and a commitment to the ACT model and methods.
- Knowledge about the ACT model.
- Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in person and over the phone.