Peer Support Specialist/Case Manager

About Us

Volunteers of America North Louisiana is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with a mission to provide opportunity, promote dignity, and inspire change in all who find their way to us. As a church without walls, we do this through personalized housing, health, and human services that benefit children and families, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and senior adults.

Founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth, Volunteers of America began as a movement of “volunteers” who were committed and sought to "reach and uplift" the American people. Volunteers of America North Louisiana began in Shreveport in 1935 with the opening of a shelter for women and children. Leading with our long-standing reputation and brand, the agency has grown to operate 40 programs, which tackle our communities’ most pressing issues and integrate our deep compassion with highly effective programs.

Thanks to our dedicated team of more than 350 employees, along with thousands of volunteers, donors, and supporters, we aim to give hope to thousands of people each year. We endeavor to attract qualified and caring individuals to consider a career with us and experience a collaborative culture that offers challenging, stimulating, and rewarding opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Peer Support Specialist/Case Manager

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POSITION TYPE: Full-Time

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or other human services related field preferred.
• Certification as a Peer Support with the state of Louisiana or willingness to attend training for certification.
• One (1) year of experience in the delivery of case management services, preferably in a community-based setting.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or obtain upon hire.
• Current valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Automobile liability insurance that meets minimum requirements.
  
  
  

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

Yes: Local Travel

JOB SUMMARY:

Assist in creating a recovery-oriented, person-centered, trauma informed treatment environment through outreach and support services provided to clients who qualify for the EpiCenter program. They will coordinate care between natural supports, community resources, and stakeholders in the recipient’s overall health and well-being. The Peer Support Specialist /Case Manager will help to bridge conversations with recipients and remove barriers that prevent them from accessing needs, supports, and resources.

JOB DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop trusting relationships with recipients by providing support and advocacy to help achieve overall health and well-being goals.
• Serve as primary liaison with new clients to improve engagement and participation in the program.
• Provide peer mentoring, coaching, resource connecting, facilitating, and leading recovery. Advocating for the person/family served, and/or building community supports.
• Convey the purposes and services of the peer support/case manager to the recipient and describe the positive impact that their services would provide.
• Coordinate, schedule, and conduct sessions with caseload; Provide educational training supports and guidance to promote client growth and development within the scope of a peer support specialist.
• Meets recipient in clinic, facility, office, or at home to help identify social determinants of health impacting recipient's health and general well-being.
• Coach recipients in effective management of their health conditions and self-care
• Assist recipient in understanding care plans and instructions
• Document activities, service plans, and results in an effective manner
• Work collaboratively and effectively within a team
• Establish positive, supportive relationships with recipients and provide feedback
• Help recipients in utilizing resources, including scheduling appointments, and assisting with completion of applications for programs for which they may be eligible
• Facilitate communication and coordinate services between providers
• Motivate recipients to be active, engaged participants in their care.
• Effectively work with people (staff, recipients, doctors, agencies, etc.) from diverse backgrounds in reducing cultural and socio-economic barriers between recipients and institutions
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with the recipients, providers, nurse case managers, (MCO or health system) representatives, supervisors and office staff
• Continuously expand knowledge and understanding of community resources, services and programs provided; human relations and the procedures used in dealing with the public as part of a service or program; volunteer resources and the practices associated with using volunteers, operations, functions, policies and procedures associated with the department or program area, procedures and resources available to handle new, unusual or different situations
• Make frequent visits to individual homes and community organizations.
• Attend peer support training and maintain continuing education training as required by the state and certification standards.
• Attend all required trainings and supervisory meetings as deemed appropriate by the Program Director.
• Ensure all documentation entered into the electronic health record (EHR) is accurate, meets quality standards, and is submitted in a timely manner.
  
  
  

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Accrue sick time and vacation time
• Paid holidays
• 401K with matching after 1 year of service
  
  
  

Other Reasons to Work Here:

• You are paid for all your time. Billable and non-billable
• Trauma Informed organization that cares about its employees and the clients we serve
• CEU opportunities for provisionally licensed offered frequently
• Promote a healthy work life balance and a 40 hour work week
• Believe in professional growth and advancement within the organization
• Substantial on-boarding training and supports for new hires
• Ongoing clinical supervision and support provided
• Technology is provided to you so that you have all the tools you need
• We strive for quality over quantity. All things good are worth doing right!
  
  
  

Other Qualities that promote success in this position:

• Compassion and passion for mental health
• Strong organizational skills
• Computer / Tech Savvy
• Independent
• Team Player
• Creative
• Energetic
• Openness to learn.
  
  
  

Candidate must pass a background check, Drug Screen, and take TB test