Crisis Peer Support Specialist

SENECA HEALTH SERVICES INC•Summersville, WV

1d•$0 - $41,400

About The Position

Crisis Peer Support Specialists serve on Seneca Health Services’ Crisis Response Team, providing crisis services to people in the community and connecting them with Seneca services and programs. The role provides intensive crisis support for individuals at risk of involuntary commitment to a state psychiatric hospital or diversion psychiatric hospital. The specialist provides or arranges community-based outpatient and residential treatment, along with supports before, during, and after the mental hygiene process, to help avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. The position uses lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services to guide and mentor individuals with mental health or substance use difficulties. It involves coordinating with clients, families, Seneca staff, hospitals, and community providers; supporting treatment engagement and community integration; documenting services; and helping individuals access treatment, housing, health services, and other supports. Local travel is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Personal history as a consumer of behavioral health services.
Valid driver’s license and vehicle.
Pass a Criminal Background Check and Employment Fitness Determination through WVCARES, as well as a drug screen.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to represent Seneca positively, maintain a positive attitude, and perform duties in accordance with Seneca’s Mission, Code of Conduct, and Ethical Practices.

Nice To Haves

Veteran status or experience providing services to veterans.

Responsibilities

Serve as a personal guide and mentor for individuals with mental health and/or substance use difficulties.
Share and discuss common experiences, answer questions, and provide referrals to services and supports that promote mental health.
Help individuals discover, access, and use ways to maintain mental health or reduce harm associated with behaviors that negatively affect their mental health.
Link and refer individuals to treatment, family support, education, housing, and local or online support groups.
Establish and maintain peer-led groups or classes to support improved health outcomes.
Complete assessments and track progress to maintain client engagement in treatment.
Obtain authorization and document services provided as required.
Collaborate with hospital emergency room staff and Seneca crisis workers to engage high-risk clients and families, identify early signs of treatment non-compliance or at-risk behaviors, and help avoid probable cause hearings.
Coordinate promptly with local providers, including hospital emergency rooms, DHHR protective service workers, mental hygiene commissioners, magistrates, law enforcement, crisis stabilization units, and other non-hospital diversion resources.
Assess the feasibility of Voluntary Treatment Agreements, use of crisis units, and crisis intervention services to increase alternatives to commitment.
Participate in team meetings and work closely with other members of the IDT.
Maintain frequent contact with high-risk clients and monitor medication and treatment compliance in the community and in homes, especially for clients with high recidivism, using at-risk tracking or other methods.
Support linkage to community housing, agency-provided community supports, and other non-institutional living options by referring clients to Case Managers when appropriate.
Support community integration by providing or arranging transportation, shopping opportunities, access to medication and other health services, and money management through referrals to Case Managers when appropriate.
Represent Seneca positively and perform duties in accordance with its Mission, Code of Conduct, and Ethical Practices.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.