Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Peer Support Specialist

Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Peer Support Specialist

The Forsyth County Department of Behavioral Health Services is seeking to hire a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Peer Support Specialist. In the role of a peer support professional, you will have the opportunity to connect with clients who are experiencing crises that involve both behavioral health and substance abuse issues. You will work as a connector for these clients and help advocate for them to receive services and supports that specifically address any unmet needs they may have. You will work closely with our EMT and Paramedic staff to build a plan of success and care for these clients that address their medical, social and behavioral health needs in order to reduce their use of emergency services and improve their overall quality of life.

The Peer Support Specialist position functions as a role model to program participants by exhibiting competency in personal recovery and provide support throughout the recovery process.

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to deal tactfully and empathetically with others and to exercise good judgement in appraising situations and making decisions.
• Knowledge of specialized population to which the employee is assigned.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Thorough knowledge of public and private community resources to assist participants with appropriate referrals.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, their families, EMS staff, Fire staff, stakeholders, and the general public.

Minimum Education and Experience:

High school Diploma, GED, or an Associate's degree with three to five years experience as a peer support counselor. Peer Support Specialist certification required. Experience as a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) trainer preferred but not required. Valid NC driver's license required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Interacts daily with clients through community field work, office, and telephone communications.
• Assists with reviewing and developing MIH peer support process including the program screening tools and transition plans.
• Networks & collaborates with community agencies to schedule patients' appointments. Assists the MIH Coordinator with administrative duties, including collecting data from patients to establish program performance outcomes.
• Entering data into data management tool.
• Providing one-on-one peer support to patients and understand the service needs of program participants for referral to community agencies.
• Assist in developing care plans and supports patients' follow-through to meet plan goals and target dates.
• Provide Program Supervisor with progress reports on patients' compliance or non-compliance with treatment.
• Assist MIH Manager with monthly meetings by providing information on patient care, discussing care plans, building resources and educational materials, etc.
• Participate in ongoing and related trainings as assigned.

OVERALL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Light – Lifting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree. PRIMARY WORK LOCATION: Office and field environment