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CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

JOB TITLE: Certified Peer Specialist

POSITION GRADE: 74 Pay commensurate with education and experience $15.50-18.00/hr

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Hope Place

SUPERVISOR: Hope Place Program Manager

FLSA: NON-EXEMPT

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Hope Place Program Manager, the Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for providing quality, trauma-responsive care and programing for adults, ages 18 and older, experiencing a mental health pre-crisis or crisis, by providing the least restrictive means of crisis stabilization and treating guests to ensure their return to a higher level of functioning as quickly as possible. The program will serve those with mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders and developmental challenges; carry out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agencies and Program Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles, and Strategic Plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

+ Exercises full compliance with the Agency’s Code of Conduct, all Agency policies and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulations

+ Maintains confidentiality and security for all client and staff related materials and/or records.

+ Follows crisis/emergency procedure to contact to Hope place Program Manager or Lead Certified Peer Specialist in the event the Certified Peer Specialist needs support

+ Assists in the development of and closely follows program & Guests Safety Plans

+ Provides individual and group supervision accounts for guests at all times

+ Provides a safe environment for guests and staff utilizing the sanctuary model

+ Reads and becomes familiar with program policy manual

+ Keeps current with the training requirements regarding Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Functional Behavioral Approach, Safety In the Community, and Motivational Interviewing and other related trainings.

+ Employs approved crisis intervention/prevention techniques utilizing accepted practices per Agency policy and procedures

+ Documents critical incidents as required by program/agency Communicates concerns, problems, questions to Supervisor

+ Assists with projects associated with the Hope Place Program, including internal and external committees, task forces and special initiatives

+ Exercises daily decision-making, problem-solving and ongoing task prioritization

+ Makes appropriate referrals and linkages to community supports.

+ Advocacy; community outreach; education; referrals to other services (health insurance enrollment, housing, legal, care management, basic needs, etc.) or ongoing treatment; tools to support wellness and recovery

+ basic intake and triage; Social Determinants of Health (SDOS) assessment

+ De-escalation; stabilization; (mindfulness and motivational interviewing); and, brief interventions such as art, and journaling.

+ Documents progress notes for each visit with clients as assigned in the Electronic Client Record (eCR) within the day of service

+ Track and monitor progress and outcomes

+ Participates in surveys conducted by referring agencies

+ Demonstrates, promotes and practices cultural competency toward Guests and staff through respect and understanding achieved through training and Agency cultural activities

+ Recognizes and embraces the diversity of teams

+ Supports and develops the strengths of each individual team member

+ Fields questions; addresses concern of referral sources/families with Peer Mentor assignments.

+ Works with Program Manager to develop individualized plans to support and encourage professional growth

+ Completes all required documentation according to appropriate time lines.

+ Attends trainings as required and as appropriate to skills related to the position

+ Utilizes scheduler on eCR to maintain required expectations both fiscally and programmatically

+ Coordinates and facilitates an initial meeting with Guests when they arrive at the program

+ Obtains and communicates personal information regarding youth and family from referral source

+ Cooperates and collaborates with program staff, volunteers and other agency staff; both internal and external to the agency

+ Check and respond to e-mail and phone calls within 24 hours

POSITION SPECIFICS:

Education:

+ High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience in lieu of education required

Experience:

+ 2 years of work or volunteer experience in a setting providing Behavioral Health services preferred.

Certification:

+ Must obtain peer certification within 1 year of hire (Certified Peer Supports)

Skills:

+ Flexible and adaptive to the work environment.

+ Ability to engage, plan, communicate, and understand mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders and developmental challenges

+ Availability to work afternoon, evenings 3pm -11pm, weekends 3-11pm

+ Proficient with Microsoft Office

+ Proficient in Electronic Client Record Systems preferred.

Other:

+ Working knowledge of the Functional Behavioral Approach, Skill Building, Sanctuary, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Child and Family Team Process preferred.

+ Effective and open communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.

+ Ability to work in partnership with others, including staff members across all departments.

+ Strong problem solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize.

+ Organized and self-directed; team player – able to share information and collaborate effectively across all functions, and with both internal and external partners.

Physical Demands:

The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing stairs.

+ Ability to walk short distances

+ Ability to use stairs

+ Ability to leave a location quickly

COMPETENCIES:

Leading Self

+ Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)-

+ Do the right thing, because it is the right thing, even when no one is looking. Truth to Power.

+ Customer Focus

+ Build positive relationships through communication and collaborative problem solving.

+ Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity

+ Believe in the dignity and humanity of all people to reach their full potential.