Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

GULF COAST CENTER - JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Mental Health Peer Specialist


Location: Brazoria and Galveston Counties

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Working Status: Full Time with Benefits

Summary:

The Mental Health Specialist (MHPS) provides peer support services; serves as an advocate; provides resources and peer support for individuals in a variety of settings. The MHPS performs a wide range of tasks to support consumers in living their own lives and directing their own recovery and wellness process. The MHPS will model competency in recovery and wellness.

Gulf Coast Center is committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Gulf Coast Center defines diversity broadly including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and age. Gulf Coast Center embraces trauma sensitive and informed practices, provides suicide safer care, and fosters a safe and compassionate environment that promotes racial and health equity.

Job Duties: (To be performed with or without accommodation as based on ADA requirements)

The Mental Health Peer Specialist will be responsible for the following:

Essential Job Duties:

• Facilitate weekly peer support groups to promote the importance of recovery support systems within the community and as part of the treatment program.
• Engage with community partners or additional community referral sources.
• Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery by supporting clients in identifying and creating goals and providing supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
• Assist clients in formulating a Wellness Plan that identifies the eight dimensions of wellness: spiritual, emotional, physical, occupational, financial, environmental, intellectual, and social that can assist the client in achieving their recovery goals.
• Provide support to the clients within the outpatient setting or in the field, identifying needs and meeting with clients as scheduled.
• Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster, develop and continue our community partnerships as it relates to the position.
• The Mental Health Peer Specialist may work with group members to create a personal recovery plan which is instrumental during their recovery process.
• The Mental Health Specialist will be responsible for entering all individual and group client documentation in Smart Care within 24 hours from the date of service.
• Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster, develop and continue our community partnerships as it relates to the position.
• Treat all individuals with the utmost courtesy, decency and respect.
• Provide responsive, and efficient services.
• Interact with staff, consumers, local entities and advocacy groups to provide a service that meets local needs.
• Provide highest level of Customer Service for both internal and external customers.
• Required to report personnel leave; flex time and emergency leave to assigned supervisor.
• Strict adherence to the professional, ethical, and legal requirements set forth in GCC's Business Code of Conduct as well as the Corporate Compliance Plan.
• Consistent adherence to the Center's Dress Code.
• Consistent adherence to Center safety guidelines and expectations.
• May be required to travel within Brazoria and Galveston Counties.
• Out of region travel may be required to attend trainings.
• Must maintain a clear driving record and driver's license in accordance with our Driver Policy.
• Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation and must maintain current auto liability insurance.

Non-Essential Job Duties:

• N/A

Supervision:

• Receives direct supervision from Program Manager - Peer Services

Required Education:

• High School or GED completion

Preferred Education/Licensure/Certifications:

• Mental Health Peer Specialist certification. If candidate does not hold a current MHPS credential they may still be considered for employment provisionally, provided they earn their MHPS within one year of hire for the position.

Required Licensure/Certifications:

• Certified as a Mental Health Peer Specialist
• Must obtain continuing education credits for the MHPS certification
• Must have attended and successfully completed the MHPS training or have obtained the certification within one year of hire date.

Required Experience:

• Must be experienced with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with identifying and providing resources and referrals.
• Working knowledge of client/community resources and experience in developing relationships with same.
• Knowledgeable of the natural diverse populations and cultural backgrounds, including different approaches to recovery.
• Must have at least 2 years of personal recovery.

Preferred Experience:

• Preferred experience with electronic records system(s)

Abilities/Traits:

• General knowledge of substance use and mental health challenges.
• Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support individual clients in self-directed recovery.
• Must be able to work independently and organize work effectively using time management tools.
• Possess knowledge of local community resources and network with agencies to ensure appropriate referrals as needed for client continuity of care.
• Must be able to be non-judgmental of clients, develop productive relationships with the diverse client population; and have good interpersonal communication and teaching skills with the diverse client population.
• Must be able to make sound decisions within the parameters of the scope of practice as a peer support specialist.
• Knowledge of the social service network.
• Innovative thinker who is positive, proactive, and readily embraces change.
• Ability to handle clients professionally during all interactions.
• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Requires ability to work within a team approach.
• Requires proficiency with computer skills, programs and email.

Working Conditions:

• Work will be performed in the Office, Field and/or Remotely setting(s).
• May require varied work hours depending on need of clients.
• Out of region travel may be required to attend trainings.
• May require travel to various locations within Brazoria and Galveston County. Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation safe and current with all state requirements, and liability insurance.
• Travel may be required to other peer group sites for this position. Internal trainings will be provided on an ongoing basis. External trainings can occur approximately once per quarter.

Special Projects:

• Assist supervisor when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a time frame negotiated with the supervisor. Completion of other duties as assigned by supervisor as it relates to the program and position.

Job Related Physical/Mental Requirements & Environmental Conditions:

Physical:

• Ability to transport, adjust and/or move items up to 55 lbs.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Ability to handle objects.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Ability to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as needed; may include ability to bend/twist, kneel/stoop and/or reach for items.
• Ability to push/pull, crawl/squat as it relates to PMAB requirements; may be required to perform PMAB restraints as it relates to program requirements.
• Ability to detect and write effectively.
• Ability to hear (with or without aid).
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within work setting.

Mental:

• Ability to accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance.
• Ability to understand, communicate and comprehend accurate information with others in English.
• Ability to reason and analyze effectively.
• Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to position.
• Required to pass and maintain all Center mandated trainings.

Work Site/Environmental Conditions:

• Ability to work alone.
• Ability to work closely with others.
• Ability to work long and/or irregular hours.
• May be subjected to hostile environment.
• May be subjected to high crime environment.
• Potential exposure to tobacco products.
• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to standard noise levels within working environment.
• Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus or plane may be required.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodations as based on ADA requirements.