Behavioral Health Peer Specialist

Reports To: Unit Director

Trainings: Annual. Effective 1/21, BLS required for existing incumbents with Heart Saver First Aid CPR/AED; will be required to renew with BLS. All new hires effective this same date are required to have BLS within 90 days from date of hire or transfer. CPI required within 90 days of hire or transfer. MHA training within one year from date of transfer or hire date.

Career Development: Peer Specialist | Case Manager | Therapist

Position Summary:
This position will provide supportive services, including advocacy, support and coaching in skills related to behavioral health needs. Completes all required educational interventions while engaging clients. Determines social service needs and coordinates care.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Completes all required educational interventions.
• Engages clients in a warm and empowering manner. Utilizes a person-first approach to interactions and interventions with clients.
• Determines social service needs of clients.
• Responds bedside and to the emergency department to support clients.
• Assists clients with linkage to services in the community, such as financial assistance, medical assistance, transportation, etc.
• Coordinates clients' behavioral health and medical care.
• Performs outreach and engagement of clients to increase adherence.
• Assists clients with scheduling of appointments for behavioral health and medical care.
• Shares personal lived experience with clients to help facilitate and support behavioral health needs.
• Works collaboratively with hospital team around care for the client and discharge planning.
• Assists with wellness prevention interventions.
• Assists with maintaining compliance with DMHAS, The Joint Commission and SAMHSA contract requirements.
• Completes documentation within the electronic medical record systems in a timely manner.
• Establishes and maintains positive community supports.
• Maintains compliance with the DMHAS licensing regulations, including the confidentiality of drug and alcohol clients.
• Participates in treatment team conferences to support best practices.
• Models and support clients and staff in health and wellness activities and with using healthy coping skills.
• Participates in assigned meetings and staff development.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED. Associate's degree in a behavioral health field preferred.
• Experience: Peer position requires that the applicant self-declare past or current treatment for behavioral health. Minimum 2 years of continuous, active recovery required. Understands and support a trauma-informed system of care. Experience with illness management and recovery (IMR) and motivational interviewing (MI) preferred. Valid driver's license required. Excellent computer skills required. Strong verbal and written communication skills required. Self-direction and flexibility required to meet the needs of administration and management. Sensitivity to a culturally diverse client population and workplace required. Supports and validates individual differences to create a harmonious work environment. Supports the organization's mission to create a healthier community.

Equipment Use:  Computer, copier, facsimile

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.