Peer Support Specialist

Summary

Promotes a recovery based approach to member care that emphasizes hope, respect, self-direction and empowerment by providing peer support, personal assistance, education on community resources, supportive services, advocacy and other support primarily in-home and/or in the community to aid in members recovery from mental illness and/or addiction disorders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Under direct supervision, provides supportive assistance to, and the modeling of self-advocacy with the member to help him/her research and access needed and desired community resources.
• Works cooperatively with others to assure the smooth and seamless delivery of comprehensive services to members.
• Assist members in choosing, obtaining and keeping wellness and healthy lifestyle related goals.
• Use a variety of methods, tailored to the individual, to move through the process of setting and reaching health and wellness related goals.
• Compile and share wellness and healthy lifestyle resources for members, staff and/or other stakeholders.
• Provide structure and support to promote personal progress and accountability.
• Assists in the development and coordination of activities, programs, and resources which directly support members or family members/caregivers of consumers in achieving wellness and recovery goals. For example: Assists consumers in obtaining benefits, i.e. SSI, AHCCCS/Medicare, Section 8, identification cards.
• Assists members with advocating and/or obtaining resources to live in a safe environment (personal safety, food supply, utilities and appliances working, adequacy of furnishings, and lack of fire hazards).
• Provides instruction in activities of daily living (nutrition, meal planning, shopping, and meal preparation; budgeting; home cleaning and organization; personal grooming and laundry).
• Communicates with clinical team regarding members level of independent functioning and current levels of support provided.
• Travels to members residences to provide peer support, personal assistance and other supportive in-home services.
• Transports members to and from appointments and treatment settings (agency vehicle) as appropriate.
• Relates own recovery process in a positive and supportive manner through coaching, role modeling and mentoring in order to assist members in developing skills to achieve their goals.
• Completes documentation for behavioral health record in accordance with agency and funding source requirements.
• Advocates for members, as needed, to ensure delivery of necessary services.
• Provides crisis intervention, as needed, and notifies Supervisor and treatment team.
• Meets, as assigned, with new members providing peer support and orientation to CODAC sites.
• Answers members questions using Customer Service Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and CODAC policies and procedures as guides.
• Assists in the scheduling of follow-up - appointments for members.
• Participates as in provision of Desk Duty or Counselor of the Day by meeting with walk-in members to address urgent and emergent needs of members.
• Manages an assigned caseload of members to assure members records are up to date as required including but not limited to assessments, ASAM assessments, consents, releases of information.
• Provides Outreach and engagement through calls, letters, coordination with community programs, home visits, etc. as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties in accordance with agency growth and changes.

Skills & Requirements

Education:  

• Masters or Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare related field and no related experience OR;
• Masters or Bachelor’s degree in a non-healthcare related field and 3 months relevant related experience OR;
• Associates’ degree in a healthcare field and 6 months related experience OR;
• Associate’s degree in a non-healthcare field and 1-year related experience OR;
• Certified Medical Assistant and 1-year related experience OR;
• Certified Peer Support Specialist and 1-year years related experience OR;
• High School diploma or General Education Equivalent (GED and 2 years related experience.

Additional Requirements:   

• Valid Arizona Drivers license, proof of current insurance and willingness to use personal vehicle. Drivers license is an essential requirement for performing duties for this position.
• Clean Motor Vehicle Record - no more than 2 moving violations or a license suspension in past 3 years.
• 1st Aid, CPR and Fingerprint Clearance may be required.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Certification:

• Graduate from Recovery/Peer Support Institute, required.

Skills:   

• Familiarity with people and practices within various ethnic and cultural groups.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to evaluate facts or situations to determine appropriate action.
• Ability to effectively facilitate groups

Pay Information:

• Pay Rate: from $18.00/hour 
• Pay Comments: Pay rate based on level of education and years of work experience relevant to this position.

"Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled"