Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)

Mental Health America of South Central Kansas•Eastborough, KS

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is responsible for utilizing his/her own recovery story to help consumers to develop skills necessary to recovery. The goal of peer support is for the consumer to regain control of his/her own life and recovery process by helping consumers to develop a network for information/support, assisting consumers to regain the ability to make independent choices and take a proactive role in treatment, and assisting consumers with identification and response to precursors/triggers of mental health symptoms. The CPS will demonstrate competency in recovery and the ability to self-manage symptoms with on-going coping skills. The CPS will be expected to provide the majority of consumer contact in community locations that concur with where the consumer lives, works, attends school, and/or socializes.

Requirements

Maintains acceptable overall attendance record, to include department staff meetings, agency meetings, and trainings as required. Ensures appropriate notification to supervisor for absences, and ensures that work is covered. Flexible in work schedule when needed.
Must have access to a reliable personal vehicle and be able to transport consumers on a regular basis as part of the job essential job responsibilities.
Exhibits appropriate level of technical knowledge for the position.
Produces quantity of work necessary to meet job requirements.
Works well with a team, keeps others informed of information needed. Treats others with respect, maintaining a spirit of cooperation.
Maintains effective and professional verbal and written interactions with peers, customers, supervisors and other staff. Uses diplomacy and tact in dealing with difficult situations or people. Demonstrates effective listening skills. Is receptive to constructive feedback.
Demonstrates the ability and willingness to handle new assignments, changes in procedures and business requirements. Identifies what needs to be done and takes appropriate action.
Completes assigned work, meets deadlines without reminders/follow-up from supervisor or others.
Performs work conscientiously with a high degree of accuracy.
The CPS must be at least 18 years old and is expected to be reliable and possess the ability to interact and communicate effectively (verbal and written) with supervisors, co-workers, and consumers.
The CPS must complete all required Kansas Certified Peer Support Trainings within one year of employment.
The CPS must possess basic computer and typing skills.
The position requires the applicant to self identify as a present or former, primary consumer of mental health services.
Skills in working with people and the ability to respond appropriately to a variety of situations are essential.
Must have a valid driver's license, driving record in good standing, reliable personal transportation, and be able to safely operate and transport consumers using their own vehicle as required by the position.
Proof of valid auto insurance is required.
Approved mileage will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy.

Responsibilities

Provides services in order to maintain required productivity/billing standard set by the department.
Meets deadlines and ensures accuracy of various reports/paperwork, mileage sheets, and electronic timesheets.
Provides peer support (PSI) services in accordance with the consumer’s treatment plan goals.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation of service provision. Completes progress notes in a manner that individualizes each note, reflecting appropriate interventions and progress towards goals.
Submits required progress notes/billing information in a timely manner as per agency, MCO/Medicaid, and COMCARE guidelines and contracts.
Assists consumers in communicating and setting personal goals and objectives for recovery for their individual treatment plan.
Assists consumers in obtaining or sharing information in a group or individual (one- on-one) setting to aid in the recovery process.
Assists consumers in developing or using a recovery plan, i.e. Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). The plan will include utilizing and teaching problem-solving techniques, building social skills, learning to combat negative self-talk, and learning to identify and overcome precursors and triggers that can impair daily function.
Assists and teaches consumers to communicate, advocate, and make informed choices in all areas of their lives which include, but are not limited to: medications, diagnosis, treatment, housing, employment, and education.
Models effective coping skills and self-help strategies.
Provides consistency in services to consumers by arriving on time to scheduled appointments and/or notifying consumers in the event of tardiness.
Observes and notifies supervisor of changes in consumer condition.