ACT Peer Support Specialist

SUMMARY OF JOB: The ACT Peer Support Specialist will work as a member of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. The Peer Support Specialist Position helps enhance community inclusion, participation, independence, and productivity for individuals receiving services at Pivotal. Those eligible for this position will have a lived experience and received treatment in the public mental health system. Peer Support Specialist will utilize their personal experience in recovery to instill hope and understanding for others. ACT Services are a team-based approach that provides intensive clinical, case management, medical, and psychosocial support to individuals with severe mental illnesses and/or substance use issues for purpose of increasing autonomy and decreasing the need for psychiatric hospitalization. ACT services are based on the principles of recovery and are individually tailored to meet the needs of the customer. Services are provided in the Customer’s residence or other community locations by all members of the multidisciplinary ACT team.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION: High School diploma or GED. Personal/lived experience with a Mental Health Diagnosis, required. Personal/lived experience with substance use preferred. History or current recipient of mental health services (minimum of one year), required. Certification as a Peer Support Specialist preferred or willing to complete the certification process.

Essential Job Functions:

· Effective verbal and written communication skills with both internal and external contacts.

· Have the ability to relate to, empathize with, and show compassion for a diverse population and a variety of personalities.

· Able to work within a team environment.

· Strong ability to problem solve independently and with a team

· Protect Health/Information Clinical/Staff Professional

· Maintain Driver’s Eligibility

· Follows Pivotal Code of Conduct/Polices/Procedures

· Support person centered planning as a shared decision-making process with the individual who defines his/her life goals and assists in developing a unique path towards those goals

· Supports a trauma informed culture to individuals in their recovery process.

· Maintains education/training requirements set for/by Pivotal/SWMBH

Specific Job Functions:

· Being able to think quickly and act appropriately in emergency situations with uncooperative individuals.

· Knowledge and understanding of community resources.

· Excellent observation and listening skills.

Physical Requirements

Able to stoop, bend, and may occasionally require light lifting up to 25 pounds.

Manual and digital dexterity needed to complete case notes, operate a telephone, keyboard, etc.

Able to sit for prolonged periods of time

Able to work in high stress/pressure environment with productivity standards expectations

Possible exposure to infectious disease processes

Job Duties:

• Share personal recovery story to instill hope and understanding of recovery for individuals diagnosed with mental health and/or substance abuse disorder(s)
• Assist individuals in developing their own plans for recovery
• Lead or co-lead peer-delivered recovery groups as assigned
• Planning and implementing social inclusion outings for ACT clients.
• Model appropriate and effective coping and self-help skills
• Attend daily meetings with the ACT Team to consult and discuss the needs of each individual served
• Provide orientation and information about Pivotal programs
• Comfortability going into client homes or community spaces that may have known or unknown cleanliness or safety concerns.
• Assist individuals in navigating other human service systems (i.e. legal, medical)
• Assist with transportation and assigned to ensure access to mental health services, as well as other needed community services
• Assist with the management and delivery of medications adhering to agencies management policy. Have or gain a basic understanding of psychiatric medications and use of blister packs or other medication dispensers.
• Provide information and assistance in the following activities as assigned: preplanning, treatment planning, crisis plans, formal review, self-determination, and alternatives to guardianship.
• Assist individuals with securing and maintaining entitlements (i.e., social security benefits, identification, birth cert. insurance, etc.)
• Assist individuals in securing appropriate housing and employment, as desired
• Advocate for individuals to ensure non-discrimination and community inclusion
• Educate and promote individual regarding personal self-help/care skills
• Provide case management related functions (linking, coordinating, monitoring, support, encouragement)
• Provide assistance aimed at supporting community functioning and independence (i.e. shopping, laundry, cleaning, budgeting, utilizing public transportation
• Documentation is thorough and submitted in a timely manner
• Follows Company’s Code of Ethics, Corporate compliance guidelines, standards of business code and company policies, (such as attendance, punctuality dress code and work ethic)
• Protects client’s rights by maintaining confidentially and reporting complaints, instances of suspected abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property.
• Attends and participates in staff development functions (such as required training and in-services)
• Completes annual training log by August 1st.
• Reads email and listen to voicemail daily. Responds within 24 hours of receiving the messages, unless on leave. Provide daytime phone response if needed to support ACT clinical staff.
• Other job-related duties as assigned. These duties may include any assignment that provides for the efficient function of the department.

Pay: $19.03 - $23.52 per hour

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

https://www.indeed.com/job/act-peer-support-specialist-1e759dcbba06334f