Mental Health Coordinator I - Peer Specialist

Taunton State Hospital is seeking a Mental Health Coordinator (Peer Liaison) for the Rehabilitation Department.  The incumbent will utilize the principles of recovery and partnership provide advocacy, assistance, empowerment, and provide support to all TSH clients and staff by utilizing both lived experience and professionalism. Under immediate and general supervision, work with patients and staff to ensure a participatory process for patients as it relates to the reduction and/or elimination of restraint and seclusion. Serves as a consumer advocate; provide individual consumer information and group support in the TSH inpatient settings and Recovery Resource Center. Acts as an advocate for the patient treatment planning. Assist in the development of training and education regarding the patient/client perspective of treatment and hospitalization, identifies human rights issues as they arise during debriefings and collaborates with Human Rights Officer and treatment teams as necessary.    

Please Note: This position is 40 hours per week. The incumbent will work on the day shift from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Days off are Friday and Saturday.

 Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Conducts individual debriefing of clients after the use of restraint or seclusion.
• Participates in the development of treatment planning which encourages alternate interventions to reduce the use of restraint and seclusion.
• Collaborate with consumer driven elements of the service system to organize clients' activities that provide opportunities for empowerment and increased self-determination.
• Interacts with clients on a regular basis to establish rapport and refers clients to unit staff and the Human Rights Officer when appropriate.
• Assist clients with articulating personal goals for recovery.
• Lend insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate support to the age related and cultural needs of the clients served.
• Assists in monitoring the facility's use of restraint and seclusion by reviewing each episode and related aggregate data regarding restraint and seclusion use.
• Participates in the training of staff related to consumer perspective of treatment and recovery.
• Participates as a member of the restraint reduction committee and related or risk management related committees, as applicable to role.
• Assist patients in improving skills as related to the Person-Centered Treatment Plan.
• Works collaboratively with facilities Human Rights Officer.
• Works collaboratively with outside advocates, as needed.
• Compliance with all applicable state and federal laws including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations which govern the privacy and confidentiality of information about patients.
• Prepares and maintains client documentation, service data and completes other administrative duties as assigned.
• Data entry of a confidential nature is performed in a timely and accurate fashion in keeping with established policies and procedures.
• Attends all mandatory classes as well as others deemed necessary by supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Well versed and have experience in the field of Human Services.
• Experience in the areas of patient safety, process improvement, systems dynamics and systems re-engineering also preferred.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

License and/or Certification Requirements:

• Preferred candidate will have a valid driver's license.

About Taunton State Hospital

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 45-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses.  The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients' discharge back to the community.

DMH Mission Statement: 

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the Mental Health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports Mental Health training and research.

Pre-Hire Process:

 A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at (508) 977-3263.

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.   Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and Peer certification through a recognized Certified Specialist Program.     Based on assignment to a Family Support Specialist position applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of an approved Professional Parent Advisory League (PAL) entry-level training as a Family Support Specialist.    Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment. 

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.

 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.