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
