The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, known as "The HARRIS CENTER," is seeking an experienced  Peer Respite Services Team Lead to join our team.  Under the general supervision of the Program Director or other designated staff, the Respite Peer Services Team Lead performs administrative duties related to the day-to-day operations of the unit and specifically related to the work of the Peer Navigators and Peer Bridgers. The Respite Peer Services Team Lead must have lived-experience of mental health issues and will be in recovery from acute mental health issues for at least one year. The Team Lead is responsible for ongoing supervision, scheduling and training of Peer Navigators and Bridgers. The Team Lead will organize and conduct team meetings with Peer Navigators, Peer Bridgers, and other staff as needed. The Team Lead will conduct weekly supervision with Peer Navigators and Peer Bridgers, either individually or as a group. The Team Lead will participate in weekly supervision with the Program Director or designated staff. The Team Lead will assist in screening admissions to the Respite Program and in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of guests during their stay in the Respite Program. The Team Lead will collaborate with the CPEP Division and other Divisions within The Harris Center and other community organizations to ensure distribution and coordination of referral information. The Team Lead will assist in the purchase and management of supplies, including food for the Respite Program as needed. The Team Lead may assist with meal preparation and/or education related to meals. This position requires some travel, flexible work hours and on-call status.

Your role in Action:

·        Participate in interviewing and hiring new staff.

·        Assist Program Director in creating and maintaining operating budget.

·        Assist with state reporting for DSHS and as requested by the Agency and Division.

·        Provide direct supervision of Peer Navigators and Peer Bridgers.

·        Oversee and maintain scheduling of Peer Navigators and Peer Bridgers.

·        Implement such training for Peer Navigators and Peer Bridgers as is necessary and consistent with best practices. Such training will be implemented in consultation with the Program Director.

·        Assist in conducting admission interviews and making admission decisions.

·        Ensuring adherence to Operational Guidelines and House Rules.

·        Participate in evening, weekend and holiday on-call schedule.

·        Evaluate work performance of Peer Navigators and Peer Bridgers, including written supervisory documentation as needed.

·        Assist Program Director in monitoring compliance with service provision requirements.

·        Plan and conduct team meetings with Peer Navigators and Peer Bridgers.

·        Under the general direction of the Program Director, conducts weekly supervision (either in group or individually) with Peer Navigators and Peer Bridgers.

·        Work collaboratively with Program Director and other designated staff to identify and provide job-related training.

·        Monitor training compliance of supervised staff.

·        Participates in monitoring care of Respite guests to ensure quality of services and accommodation.

·        Performs other duties as assigned.

·        Demonstrates ethical conduct in all professional activities.

·        Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

·        Bachelor's degree or equivalent

·        If not a Certified Peer Specialist, must become certified within 8 months of hiring.

Experience:

·        Minimum of 2 years of direct supervisory experience, including hiring, terminations, and performance evaluations.

·        Lived-experience with mental health issues and a mental health diagnosis.

·        A minimum of 1 year in recovery 

Other Key Qualifications:

·        Must have valid Texas Driver’s License.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

·        Must be certified peer specialist.

·        Must have lived-experience.

·        Must have knowledge of peer services and recovery model.

·        Management, leadership and communication skills are necessary.

About us:

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas.  As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.

What else you should know:

• This posting is associated with position #10175.

 What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching – a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.