Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

Overview

The ACCS Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope and the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live successfully in the community. Provides Peer Support Services; helps PS explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in goals.

Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

• Implements Peer Support-oriented Treatment Plan interventions with PS.
• Shares personal experiences; provides support, education, and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions; for example, being discharged from a hospital, detoxification unit or respite setting, moving to their own apartment, or when facing life stage challenges – particularly for young adults and elders.
• Engage PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
• Assists PS in linking to other community services and build Recovery and support networks outside the service system – both actual and electronic, including services and networks for people with co-occurring disorders for mutual help and Recovery support groups.
• Facilitates Peer Support groups. Connects PS with both psychiatric conditions and substance use/addiction to recovery tools and resources.
• Provides information and training on recovery and self-management plans and strategies – including facilitating the PSs completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) individually or in a group.
• Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS. Maintains close contact with PS who struggle with initial or sustained engagement in ACCS.
• Promotes healthcare and employment services access for PS.
• Promotes engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS.
• Helps maximize choices available to PS as well as their self-determination and participation and decision-making in the planning, delivery and evaluation of their treatment, care coordination, and support services.
• Assists PS in strengthening relationships with chosen family and friends.
• Helps PS develop self-advocacy skills, individually or in groups.
• Provides on-going problem solving, skill training, and side-by-side support to help PSs improve their daily living skills and abilities. Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies for PS.
• Teaches and consults with ACCS staff to reinforce and improve their understanding of recovery values, person-centered language, and the perspectives of Persons Served and to use processes and strategies conducive to recovery.
• Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm- reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches to help PS think through their current life circumstances compared to their hopes and plans for the future.
• Visits all GLE and SIE settings regularly to provide Peer Support.
• Facilitates Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups.
• Engages as a member of the Peer Specialist Community of Practice Workgroup, for continuous role competency development and learning.
• Completes any needed documentation only in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Important job exceptions:

All Peer Specialists may not be involved with or trained in Medication Administration Program (MAP); perform any duties related to a PS Representative Payee ship, and any documentation performed must be in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards.

Knowledge and Skills

• Willing to use and share their personal, practical experience of recovery process, wellness management, and the personal effort and commitment required for PS to have a full and satisfying life in the community.
• Strong commitments to the right and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and support needed in their community of choice.
• Knowledge of Peer Support and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards and practices
• Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, principles and modalities
• Knowledge of Peer Support practices and ethical standards
• Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with persons served byACCS.
• Commitment to maintain confidentiality of persons served.
• Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender differences of persons served.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
• Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of persons served.
• Knowledge of community and other resources
• Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Qualifications

Typical Requirements

• Personal, first-hand experience (not just having a friend or family member) being a recipient of the mental health system, which encompasses experiences such as psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services/therapy, experience with psychiatric medications, and/or participating in mental health groups in the community. While a formal mental health diagnosis is not required, involvement with mental health services must be related to experience with mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
• Certified Peer Specialist credential preferred. Must become a Certified Peer Specialist.
• Bilingual/bicultural applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred /Required Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Driving Requirements

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position.

Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.

Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.

Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.

Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living.

Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.

Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.

Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications

• CPR is required within the first two weeks of hire.
• First Aid is required within two weeks of hire.

Required Credentials/Licenses

• Certified Peer Specialist credential required within 12 months of hire.

Pay Range

USD $23.91 - USD $23.91 /Hr.