BHW Peer Specialist

Solvista Health•Canon City, CO

14d

About The Position

A Behavioral Health Worker/Peer provides services to individuals and families who need assistance with behavioral health or substance use problems, including alcohol and/or drug use. The role draws on lived experience with mental illness and/or addiction, together with formal training, to deliver services in behavioral health and crisis settings. The position works under supervision as part of a clinical team and supports inpatient clients as well as people in the community. The role requires professional conduct, confidentiality, dependable attendance, and the ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. The position works three 12-hour day shifts (7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.) and five on-call night shifts (7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.) per month. Work takes place in a fast-paced professional office and health center environment, with possible travel to conferences, meetings, and branch locations. The work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, loud noises, blood-borne pathogens, communicable diseases, and potentially dissatisfied or abusive individuals. The role may also involve interaction with people who are mentally ill, disabled, elderly, or emotionally upset. The salary range is $19.31–$24.81. Employment conditions include annual TB screening, federally required drug screening, influenza vaccination or compliance with applicable policy and procedure, and possession of a valid state driver’s license. The successful candidate must pass a post-offer drug screen.

Requirements

High school diploma and ability to demonstrate reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders.
Good communication skills.
Understanding of client rights, confidentiality, ethics, and professional roles.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and recognize potential risks.
Ability to model appropriate use of personal stories and self-disclosure.
Ability to accept diversity and understand cultural competency.
Understanding of trauma, resiliency, recovery, and a wellness-oriented lifestyle.
Ability to demonstrate and teach wellness life skills.
Ability to encourage development of natural supports.
Willingness to seek supervision and ask for direction.
Conflict resolution skills.
Ability to learn, teach, and implement evidence-based practices and curriculum appropriate to clinical needs.
Organization, time management, and prioritization skills.
Ability to manage relationships constructively and positively.
Ability to work three 12-hour day shifts (7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.) and five on-call night shifts (7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.) per month.
Possession of a valid state driver’s license.
Must complete annual TB screening and federally required drug screening, and receive an influenza vaccination or comply with applicable policy and procedure.
Must pass a post-offer drug screen.

Responsibilities

Work as part of a clinical team, coordinate client interactions with the team, and follow client treatment plans under supervision.
Work with inpatient clients and respond to community crisis calls.
Maintain a professional demeanor and confidentiality during problem-solving.
Develop and co-facilitate educational activities with designated clients and families.
Facilitate strength-based recovery group meetings.
Schedule and coordinate client appointments with assistance from clinicians.
Provide general information about recovery from mental health and substance use issues.
Perform advocacy and peer support tasks as assigned.
Perform basic physical care procedures, including taking vital signs, assisting with physical exams, and feeding patients.
Observe and assess clients’ behavioral health status and provide evidence-based intervention strategies.
Refer clients to clinicians or care coordinators for follow-up as needed.
Provide concrete support to clients and ensure safety plans are implemented.
Collaborate with clinicians, specialists, care coordinators, and psychiatric providers.
Document patient contacts and other clinical information in the health record system.
Provide community outreach and education.
Participate in job-related training sessions and seminars.
Attend required staff meetings.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance for assigned shifts.
Transport clients or arrange transportation as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.