Certified Peer Support Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

Under immediate to general supervision, the Certified Peer Support Specialist serves as a patient advocate; promotes community integration, resiliency and quality of life objectives with youth and adult clients and/or family members in a variety of settings.   

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

 

1. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, assist clinicians in the development of treatment objectives and interventions for clients enrolled in services at the Muckleshoot Behavioral Health Program (BHP);
2. Function as a member of a clinical team to coordinate behavioral health interventions with other members, providing internal and external consultation and case management for assigned clients as needed.
3. Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to clients, parents, caregivers, and natural/community supports by encouraging them to regain hope and control over their own lives.
4. Support on-call crisis response (as needed) for Behavioral Health clients on assigned evenings and weekends.
5. Identify services and activities that promote recovery and resilience, assisting clients to identify strengths, recognize successes, and to build hope.
6. Mentor clients to build self-advocacy skills, navigate health systems, build natural supports, and find meaningful activities that promote a sense of purpose, structure and inclusion in the community.
7. Promote personal responsibility for recovery as the individual client and/or service provider defines recovery.
8. Mentor clients to explore networking through existing advisory groups and client-run organizations; if applicable, help clients become involved as an advocate for others.
9. Provide individual and group services (appropriate to scope) for clients including facilitating recovery groups
10. Participates in filing incident reports when appropriate and forwards them to the supervisor in a timely manner.
11. Maintain confidentiality in regards to all client information and follows 42 CFR part 2 and HIPAA policies and procedures.
12. Document all treatment methods including direct services, client-related activities and follow-up contact.
13. Attend all required trainings
14. Mentor clients to build and maintain community living skills and access community resources;
15. Support clients who are pursuing educational, vocational, or volunteer services;
16. Maintain required levels of productivity and performance standards providing at least 50% of face to face client contact
17. Engage with assigned clients prior to discharge from inpatient care, participate in discharge planning, as directed and assigned, and accompany clients as they transition into the community as appropriate.
18. Assist clients in need or in times of personal crisis with finding appropriate resources for stabilization in the least restrictive environment appropriate.
19. Contact clients referred by a clinician that are not attending scheduled appointments in order to identify barriers and problem solve solutions to client attendance.
20. Work with clients in preparation of graduating from services.
21. Demonstrate conflict management and resolution skills as they apply to client/patient care issues.
22. Is proactive in communicating with supervisors regarding any unusual circumstances concerning staff or the program in general.
23. Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

EDUCATION - EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION:

• The Certified Peer Support Specialist position requires the individual have experience with mental health or substance use services and self-identifies as a current or former recipient of services.
• Certification as a Peer Counselor consistent with WAC 246-341-0724; required within 90 days of employment.
• Must submit for Agency Affiliation within 30 days of hire.
• One-year experience working as a Certified Peer Counselor in Washington State or other state equivalent; or two years' experience working in a community behavioral health setting.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Special Requirement: Incumbent must be free from substance use for the last two (2) consecutive years.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION:

Skills:

• Oral and written communication.
• Problem-solving and client interviewing.
• Working with diverse populations.
• Managing multiple projects.
• Microsoft office suite

 

Knowledge:

• Substance use disorders, mental health and social services resources.
• Community support services
• Clinical documentation

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to be physically active up to 75% of the time to include standing, lifting, pushing, pulling, bending at the waist, climbing and reaching.  Manual dexterity of hands/fingers for writing, computer work and routine paperwork. Continuously uses vision and listens. Frequently drives. May lift and/or carry up to 25 lbs. May push/pull up to 50 lbs. May work outside and be exposed to weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.   

Licenses or Certifications Required: Valid Washington State Drivers License