Peer Support Navigator EMPACT

Job Description

Job Description

Who we are:

EMPACT- Suicide Prevention Center, part of the La Frontera family, is an industry leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing valued community services and resources for behavioral health counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention since 1987. We are an EEO/AA Employer. 

You can view all our job openings at:  -empact.org/join-us/

What you’ll do:

CCHP Peer Support Navigators (Supportive Housing) provide case management, emotional support, mentoring, advocacy, life skills training, respite services, crisis intervention and transportation for chronically homeless adults who have been identified through the behavioral health system or other referral sources approved by Mercy Maricopa. These service recipients have been identified as high risk/high utilizers of the crisis/behavioral health system and the Peer Support Navigator serves as an ongoing support to them with the overall goal of decreasing the dependence on higher cost services, such as ER/hospitals/Crisis services, etc. by keeping them engaged with RBHA outpatient services and community and natural supports. 

*The position is in-house at a Mercy House apartment complex, and the clients are already housed. 

Shift: MON-THU 8:00 am- 4:30 pm; FRI 8:00 am-1:30 pm

Essential Job Responsibilities: 

• Meets with service recipients in the community as referred. Assists in mapping out the most appropriate next steps for the individual who may need assistance in accessing various other providers or community-based services. 
• Develops and collaborates with an extensive network of Community Based and RBHA resources, including homeless shelters and coordinated assessment. The Navigator must know how to access various social/behavioral health community-based services that can include but is not limited to: food, clothing, housing, support services, and Outpatient Crisis Stabilization/Transition services. This can also include making necessary appointments, assisting with scheduling/transporting or arranging SMI evaluations and Outpatient Stabilization/Transition services when applicable.
• Maintains accurate and thorough documentation in progress notes and in the client's record, including EMPACT’s electronic records system, HMIS, and HOME Link.
• Provides peer support, helping the participant develop and implement self-directed recovery plan, sharing experience, providing support, teaching self-management techniques and reassurance.
• Requires competency (via specialized training) in the following areas:
  • Risk Assessment
  • In Home Safety
  • AHCCCS eligibility/Affordable Health Care Act
  • SMI eligibility
  • Crisis System
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Harm Reduction Model
  • Understanding of SAMHSA Permanent Supportive Housing Toolkit
  • Principles of Housing First Model
  • Use SPDAT and VI-SPDAT tools
  • Landlord/Tenant Act
  • Other identified peer specialist and system training

Other Duties and Responsibilities may include: 

• Facilitating appointments with treatment providers for behavioral health assessments when  applicable
• Coordinating post- crisis/stabilization transportation
• Assisting recipients in obtaining Birth Certificates and/or other forms of  acceptable identification if needed
• Identifying transportation options
• Referring for SMI evaluations when criteria are met.
• Coordinating housing with community shelters, apartments, and housing facilities
• Recommendations to the Coordinator or Program Manager changes to improve service delivery. 
• Participating in agency fund raising activities as requested by management.

What you’ll provide:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Peer Certification required.
• Must identify as a recipient of mental health services (in Maricopa County) or have assisted family member in their mental health or substance abuse recovery process. Could identify as a Military Veteran, Service Member, or Service Family Member.
• Effective interpersonal skills to allow for professional and positive relationships with co-workers, consumers, families and other community members.
• Effective communication skills evidenced by a non-judgmental approach, effective listening and positive interaction.
• Thorough understanding of the role of family support at each stage of the recovery process. 
• Ability to effectively interpret and implement complex treatment plans based upon a wide knowledge base of available community services.
• Must have a Fingerprint clearance card or be eligible to obtain one.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of employment.
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License, with no major infractions in the past three years is required. 
• If driving while on agency time or on agency business, a valid Arizona driver license and appropriate liability insurance and approval for liability coverage with EMPACT - SPC’s liability insurance carrier is required. At time of hire, a 3-year state driving record with no major infractions or excessive driving violations/tickets is required.

What we’ll offer:

(Full-time employees)

• Generous PTO
• 10 paid holidays per year 
• Medical plans (3 choices) 
• Dental plans (2 choices) 
• Vision plans (2 choices) 
• 403(b) retirement plan 
• Retirement Allowance 
• Company paid Life/AD&D and Long-term Disability 
• Voluntary additional Life and Short-term Disability 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Licensure Reimbursement
• Elder Care assistance 
• Pet Insurance and much more!

EMPACT-SPC is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and accredited by the American association of Suicidology (AAS) and The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

EMPACT-SPC/La Frontera Arizona provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

All employees of EMPACT-SPC and La Frontera Arizona are employees "at will" as that term is understood in the State of Arizona. This means that employment may be terminated at any time without prior notice and for no stated reason.

EMPACT-SPC/La Frontera Arizona reserves the right to modify position descriptions as needed and without notice. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.