Drop-In and Outreach Peer Support Specialist
About The Position
The Peer Support Specialist will provide networking, support and connection to care coordination services for those with behavioral health needs. They will provide crisis resolution, self-help, advocacy, care coordination, and housing, education, and socialization assistance. They will also make referrals for psychiatric, nursing care and other services as needed. Provide outreach services, including but not limited to local behavioral health units in hospital settings, to establish and provide a warm hand-off to link persons with appropriate resources and services for continuity of care.
Requirements
- High School Diploma preferred
- Ability to attend and successfully graduate from Peer Support training approved by Iowa's managed care provider and receive certification within 1 year of hire date.
- Must be able to attend and graduate from NAMI's 2 day certification training to lead "Connections Peer Recovery Support Groups".
- Current/past personal experience as a consumer of mental health services; has worked on their own recovery and can share those experiences with others.
- Good working knowledge of mental health services, community resources and how to access these resources.
- Ability to work with a diverse population.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Utilize good self-direction and self-motivational skills.
- Must carry a valid driver's license and have current automobile insurance in accordance with Vera French policy.
- All Vera French employees that transport a Vera French client in his/her personal vehicle must also have a D-3 Chauffeur's License.
- Ability to pass pre-employment physical, drug, and alcohol screening
Responsibilities
- Teach and role model the value of the recovery experience.
- Develop a supportive and positive relationship.
- Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups.
- Model effective coping skills and self-help strategies.
- Assess and make referrals for other services as needed.
- Assist with data collection as needed.
- Complete documentation for support services.
- Facilitate groups as needed.
- Establish and maintain professional relationships with VF, NAMI and other programs and community providers and agencies.
- Assist in identifying local support groups.
Benefits
- Group Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
- Delta Dental & Vision Insurance
- Employer-paid Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability (Mutual of Omaha)
- Supplemental Life & Short-Term Disability options
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- 3% employer contribution (vested day one)
- 25% match on employee contributions up to 6%
- Paid Time Off
- 9 paid holidays
- 9 paid sick days
- 2 weeks vacation
- 1 Vera French Day
- Ongoing in-house trainings (CPR, Medication Management & more)
- Access to online learning courses
- Tuition Reimbursement & Loan Repayment Program (eligible after one year)
- Professional development opportunities to expand your clinical expertise
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
