Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Lawrence, MA

6d•$23 - $23

About The Position

The ACCS Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope and the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live successfully in the community. Provides Peer Support Services; helps PS explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in goals.

Requirements

Personal, first-hand experience (not just having a friend or family member) being a recipient of the mental health system, which encompasses experiences such as psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services/therapy, experience with psychiatric medications, and/or participating in mental health groups in the community. While a formal mental health diagnosis is not required, involvement with mental health services must be related to experience with mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
Certified Peer Specialist credential preferred. Must become a Certified Peer Specialist OR obtain Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery “Recovery Coach Academy” certificate of completion within 6 months of hire.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle.
If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
Certified Peer Specialist credential required within 12 months of hire
Willing to use and share their personal, practical experience of recovery process, wellness management, and the personal effort and commitment required for PS to have a full and satisfying life in the community.
Strong commitments to the right and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and support needed in their community of choice.
Knowledge of Peer Support and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards and practices
Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, principles and modalities
Knowledge of Peer Support practices and ethical standards
Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with persons served by ACCS.
Commitment to maintain confidentiality of persons served.
Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques
Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender differences of persons served.
Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of persons served.
Knowledge of community and other resources
Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Responsibilities

Implements Peer Support-oriented Treatment Plan interventions with PS.
Shares personal experiences; provides support, education, and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions; for example, being discharged from a hospital, detoxification unit or respite setting, moving to their own apartment, or when facing life stage challenges – particularly for young adults and elders.
Engage PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self learning.
Assists PS in linking to other community services and build Recovery and support networks outside the service system – both actual and electronic, including services and networks for people with co-occurring disorders for mutual help and Recovery support groups.
Facilitates Peer Support groups. Connects PS with both psychiatric conditions and substance use/addiction to recovery tools and resources.
Provides information and training on recovery and self-management plans and strategies – including facilitating the PSs completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) individually or in a group.
Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS. Maintains close contact with PS who struggle with initial or sustained engagement in ACCS.
Promotes healthcare and employment services access for PS.
Promotes engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS.
Helps maximize choices available to PS as well as their self-determination and participation and decision-making in the planning, delivery and evaluation of their treatment, care coordination, and support services.
Assists PS in strengthening relationships with chosen family and friends.
Helps PS develop self-advocacy skills, individually or in groups.
Provides on-going problem solving, skill training, and side-by-side support to help PSs improve their daily living skills and abilities. Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies for PS.
Teaches and consults with ACCS staff to reinforce and improve their understanding of recovery values, person-centered language, and the perspectives of Persons Served and to use processes and strategies conducive to recovery.
Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm- reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches to help PS think through their current life circumstances compared to their hopes and plans for the future.
Visits all GLE and SIE settings regularly to provide Peer Support.
Facilitates Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups.
Engages as a member of the Peer Specialist Community of Practice Workgroup, for continuous role competency development and learning.
Completes any needed documentation only in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.