Peer Support Specialist - ACT Team

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position provides a variety of recovery-oriented supports to individuals in order to promote greater independence, community integration and recovery from mental illness and/or substance use. Services provided by peer specialists include a wide range of supports, services, and advocacy that contribute to a client’s ability to engage in ongoing treatment. Assist in the development of peer-led programming.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct regular contact with ACT consumers in the community to provide peer support services
• Transport ACT consumers to/from appointments as needed
• Community support to individuals receiving ACT services
• Assist ACT clients with developing hope through application of the “lived experience” from the Peer Support Specialist
• Exemplifies recovery principles in order to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable. Share their own recovery story as appropriate, and walks the road of recovery alongside the service recipient
• Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings
• Coordinate and consult with other team members to keep team informed of issues and progress
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and supervision as required
• Enter contacts with ACT clients and constituencies into the electronic health records system timely and accurately
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a self-identified person with personal experience with mental health disorder leading to an understanding of the needs of persons with mental health & substance use with at least a years worth of recovery.
• Must be certified by as a Peer Specialist at time of hire or within first 6 months.
• Completion of requirements to become a Registered alcohol and drug peer support specialist as applicable.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Driver’s license, reliable transportation, and valid vehicle insurance
• Basic computer skills required to enter contacts into EHR
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen test and background check
• Must adhere to agency’s policies, including but not limited to, non-discrimination, safety, drug and alcohol-free workplace, violence prevention and harassment-free workplace
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, life-styles, and sexual orientations and treat each individual with respect and dignity

JOB REQUIREMENTS / EXPECTATIONS:

• Peer Support will spend an extended amount of time in the community alongside clients
• Willingness to enter ACT clients homes – services are community based and require regular contact with clients in the community, often their homes
• Willingness to transport ACT clients in the Peer Support Specialist’s personal vehicle
• Ability to adapt to change at short notice
• Outgoing and ability to relate to ACT consumers

CORE VALUES:

All employees must be willing to live our company's core values.

• Integrity – Exhibiting the highest moral, ethical and legal standards. Doing the right thing – even when no one else is looking.
• Teamwork – Putting team success over personal success. Actively valuing the strengths and talents of others.
• Trust/Respect– Seeing and believing in the good intentions of others. Interacting with others in a way that makes them feel valued. Listening without judging. Offering understanding and acceptance.
• Care/Compassion – Demonstrating unconditional kindness, concern and empathy. Exhibiting genuine concern for others.
• Ownership/Accountability – Taking personal responsibility for one’s work, actions and feelings. Accepting responsibility for and learning from mistakes.