Behavioral Health Peer Specialist — Recovery & Outreach Advocate

Behavioral Health Services Peer Specialist I Under direct supervision, the incumbent will be responsible for development and ongoing provision of peer recovery and support services including: monitoring, informing, supporting, assisting and empowering consumers and family members/caregivers who receive behavioral health services; developing and coordinating activities, programs and resources which support consumers and family members/caregivers in achieving wellness and recovery-oriented goals; facilitating peer‑to‑peer assistance as part of a multidisciplinary team; conducting outreach to consumers, family members/caregivers and the community; and acting as a liaison between consumers, family members/caregivers and community service providers. Peer Specialists do not provide social work, counseling, or psychotherapy. This classification is a for‑cause, non‑exempt position. Distinguishing Characteristics This is an entry‑level position in the Behavioral Health Certified Peer Specialist series. Incumbents possess personal lived experience with behavioral health and/or recovery challenges, and/or they may be a caregiver/family member of an individual with such challenges. The Peer Specialist I is expected to work in a trainee capacity under direct supervision, developing best‑practice wellness and recovery skills through experience and on‑the‑job training. Reports To A variety of county supervisory or management positions, depending on the department or program area where assigned. Classification Supervised This is not a supervisory class. Duties Provides peer recovery and support assistance and mentoring to promote client engagement in supportive networks, natural supports, and activities within and outside the behavioral health system. Assesses the unique challenges faced by each client and assists clients in successfully setting and meeting recovery goals. Uses effective listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage clients in goal setting to promote successful change. Serves as a mentor/role model demonstrating competency in recovery, effective coping skills and self‑help strategies. Performs after‑hours mobile crisis interventions and evaluations as a member of the mobile crisis response team. Provides encouragement, motivation and support to clients seeking to establish or strengthen their recovery. Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for client and family/caregiver empowerment. Provides outreach to clients and community members to link them to services and help overcome barriers to participation in behavioral health services. Assists clients in building or maintaining personal support networks and in developing social skills needed to maintain positive interpersonal relationships. Assists in facilitating peer self‑help/recovery groups for clients, family members, and caregivers. Attends and participates in special events, conferences, workshops and trainings. Assists in organizing training activities and providing educational materials on behavioral health recovery for community groups, behavioral health clients, family members, and staff. Recommends and makes referrals to appropriate programs and/or services. Transports clients to and from appointments as appropriate. Performs basic typing and computer tasks, including documentation in Behavioral Health’s electronic health record. Documents all activities as required. Completes all required staff trainings as assigned. Performs other job‑related duties as assigned. Facilitates peer self‑help/recovery groups for consumers, family members, and caregivers. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of interventions and activities. Accesses, utilizes and maintains electronic records and files, including the electronic health record. Knowledge of Behavioral health issues within targeted population groups. Principles of mental health and substance use recovery and strength‑based approaches to peer support. Familiarity with community resources and service agencies, including private and public agencies, and social and economic issues requiring public and private services. Desired Skills Plans, organizes, coordinates and manages tasks as assigned. Communicates orally and in writing on a variety of issues. Develops and maintains harmonious relationships with employees, public officials, community groups, other agencies and the general public. Qualifications At least one (1) year of a combination of education, training and personal experience that provides the knowledge and skills to perform the listed duties is required. Typically, this includes personal lived experience as a current or past consumer of mental health or co‑occurring behavioral health services, or a family member/caregiver of a consumer; and six months of paid or volunteer experience providing direct mental health peer support or peer recovery services to individuals or family members/caregivers. Special Requirements High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Possession of a current valid driver’s license. Certification as a Peer Specialist by an approved CalMHSA certifying organization within six (6) months of employment, and renewal every two (2) years thereafter. Typical Physical Requirements Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers and fax. Typical Working Conditions Work is performed in office, clinic, jail, hospital or community environments; often with individuals who are chronically and persistently mentally ill, substance‑abusing, homeless, children and adolescents, or the elderly and who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public. Behavioral Health Services Peer Specialist II Under direct supervision, the incumbent will be responsible for development and ongoing provision of peer recovery and support services including: monitoring, informing, supporting, assisting and empowering consumers and family members/caregivers who receive behavioral health services; developing and coordinating activities, programs and resources which support consumers and family members/caregivers in achieving wellness and recovery-oriented goals; facilitating peer‑to‑peer assistance as part of a multidisciplinary team; conducting outreach to consumers, family members/caregivers and the community; and acting as a liaison between consumers, family members/caregivers and community service providers. Peer Specialists do not provide social work, counseling, or psychotherapy. This classification is a for‑cause, non‑exempt position. Distinguishing Characteristics This is the journey level in the Behavioral Health Peer Specialist flexible classification series. The Peer Specialist II is expected to work in a paraprofessional capacity, performing the necessary scope of practice under general supervision. This classification is distinguished from the Peer Specialist I by a greater degree of responsibility and independent judgment exercised by incumbents. Reports To A variety of county supervisory or management positions, depending on the department or program area where assigned. Classification Supervised This is not a supervisory class. Duties Provides peer recovery and support assistance and mentoring to promote client engagement in supportive networks, natural supports and activities within and outside the behavioral health system. Assesses the unique challenges faced by each client and assists clients in successfully setting and meeting recovery goals. Uses effective listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage clients in goal setting to promote successful change. Serves as a mentor/role model demonstrating competency in recovery, effective coping skills and self‑help strategies. Performs after‑hours mobile crisis interventions and evaluations as a member of the mobile crisis response team. Provides encouragement, motivation and support to clients seeking to establish or strengthen their recovery. Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for client and family/caregiver empowerment. Provides outreach to clients and community members to link them to services and help overcome barriers to participation in behavioral health services. Assists clients in building or maintaining personal support networks and in developing social skills needed to maintain positive interpersonal relationships. Assists in facilitating peer self‑help/recovery groups for clients, family members and caregivers. Attends and participates in special events, conferences, workshops and trainings. Assists in organizing training activities and providing educational materials on behavioral health recovery for community groups, behavioral health clients, family members and staff. Recommends and makes referrals to appropriate programs and/or services. Transports clients to and from appointments as appropriate. Performs basic typing and computer tasks, including documentation in Behavioral Health’s electronic health record. Documents all activities as required. Completes all required staff training as assigned. Performs other job‑related duties as assigned. Facilitates peer self‑help/recovery groups for consumers, family members and caregivers. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of interventions and activities. Accesses, utilizes and maintains electronic records and files, including the electronic health record. Knowledge of Behavioral health issues within targeted population groups. Principles of mental health and substance use recovery and strength‑based approaches to peer support. Familiarity with community resources and service agencies, including private and public agencies, and social and economic issues requiring public and private services. Desired Skills Plans, organizes, coordinates and manages tasks as assigned. Communicates orally and in writing on a variety of issues. Develops and maintains harmonious relationships with employees, public officials, community groups, other agencies and the general public. Qualifications At least two (2) years of a combination of education, training, certification and personal experience that provides the knowledge and skills to perform the listed duties is required. One year of direct work with consumers in a public behavioral health or similar setting, or an Associate Degree in Human Services or related field may substitute for experience. Promotion to Peer Specialist II is considered on a merit basis upon completion of the minimum qualifications, including Peer Specialist certification, and is subject to the approval of the Supervising Behavioral Health Specialist or the Deputy Director of Behavioral Health. Special Requirements High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Possession of a current valid driver’s license. Possession of Peer Specialist Certification and renewal every two (2) years. Completion of state‑approved Medi‑Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification exam. Be 18 years of age or older and possess a government‑issued ID with a photograph. Self‑identify as an individual with lived experience and be willing to share that experience. Have strong dedication to recovery and agree in writing to adhere to the California Department of Health Care Services Code of Ethics for Medi‑Cal Peer Specialists. Receive training from an approved CalMHSA training program. Typical Physical Requirements Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers and fax. Typical Working Conditions Work is performed in office, clinic, jail, hospital or community environments; often with individuals who are chronically and persistently mentally ill, substance‑abusing, homeless, children and adolescents, or the elderly and who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Siskiyou