Certified Peer Specialist

CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

JOB TITLE: Certified Peer Specialist

POSITION GRADE: 74 Pay commensurate with education and experience $15.15-17.85/hr

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Hope Place

SUPERVISOR: Hope Place Program Manager

FLSA: NON-EXEMPT

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Hope Place Program Manager, the Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for providing quality, trauma-responsive care and programing for adults, ages 18 and older, experiencing a mental health pre-crisis or crisis, by providing the least restrictive means of crisis stabilization and treating guests to ensure their return to a higher level of functioning as quickly as possible. The program will serve those with mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders and developmental challenges; carry out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agencies and Program Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles, and Strategic Plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Exercises full compliance with the Agency’s Code of Conduct, all Agency policies and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulations
• Maintains confidentiality and security for all client and staff related materials and/or records.
• Follows crisis/emergency procedure to contact to Hope place Program Manager or Lead Certified Peer Specialist in the event the Certified Peer Specialist needs support
• Assists in the development of and closely follows program & Guests Safety Plans
• Provides individual and group supervision accounts for guests at all times
• Provides a safe environment for guests and staff utilizing the sanctuary model
• Reads and becomes familiar with program policy manual
• Keeps current with the training requirements regarding Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Functional Behavioral Approach, Safety In the Community, and Motivational Interviewing and other related trainings.
• Employs approved crisis intervention/prevention techniques utilizing accepted practices per Agency policy and procedures
• Documents critical incidents as required by program/agency Communicates concerns, problems, questions to Supervisor
• Assists with projects associated with the Hope Place Program, including internal and external committees, task forces and special initiatives
• Exercises daily decision-making, problem-solving and ongoing task prioritization
• Makes appropriate referrals and linkages to community supports.
• Advocacy; community outreach; education; referrals to other services (health insurance enrollment, housing, legal, care management, basic needs, etc.) or ongoing treatment; tools to support wellness and recovery
• basic intake and triage; Social Determinants of Health (SDOS) assessment
• De-escalation; stabilization; (mindfulness and motivational interviewing); and, brief interventions such as art, and journaling.
• Documents progress notes for each visit with clients as assigned in the Electronic Client Record (eCR) within the day of service
• Track and monitor progress and outcomes
• Participates in surveys conducted by referring agencies
• Demonstrates, promotes and practices cultural competency toward Guests and staff through respect and understanding achieved through training and Agency cultural activities
• Recognizes and embraces the diversity of teams
• Supports and develops the strengths of each individual team member
• Fields questions; addresses concern of referral sources/families with Peer Mentor assignments.
• Works with Program Manager to develop individualized plans to support and encourage professional growth
• Completes all required documentation according to appropriate time lines.
• Attends trainings as required and as appropriate to skills related to the position
• Utilizes scheduler on eCR to maintain required expectations both fiscally and programmatically
• Coordinates and facilitates an initial meeting with Guests when they arrive at the program
• Obtains and communicates personal information regarding youth and family from referral source
• Cooperates and collaborates with program staff, volunteers and other agency staff; both internal and external to the agency
• Check and respond to e-mail and phone calls within 24 hours

POSITION SPECIFICS:

Education:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience in lieu of education required

Experience:

• 2 years of work or volunteer experience in a setting providing Behavioral Health services preferred.

Certification:

• Must obtain peer certification within 1 year of hire (Certified Peer Supports)

Skills:

• Flexible and adaptive to the work environment.
• Ability to engage, plan, communicate, and understand mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders and developmental challenges
• Availability to work afternoon, evenings 3pm -11pm, weekends 3-11pm
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Proficient in Electronic Client Record Systems preferred.

Other:

• Working knowledge of the Functional Behavioral Approach, Skill Building, Sanctuary, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Child and Family Team Process preferred.
• Effective and open communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in partnership with others, including staff members across all departments.
• Strong problem solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize.
• Organized and self-directed; team player – able to share information and collaborate effectively across all functions, and with both internal and external partners.

Physical Demands:

The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing stairs.

• Ability to walk short distances
• Ability to use stairs
• Ability to leave a location quickly

COMPETENCIES:

Leading Self

• Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)-
  1. Do the right thing, because it is the right thing, even when no one is looking. Truth to Power.
• Customer Focus
  1. Build positive relationships through communication and collaborative problem solving.
• Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity
  1. Believe in the dignity and humanity of all people to reach their full potential.