Peer Support Professional

Health Solutions West•Grand Junction, CO

2d•$20 - $21•Hybrid

About The Position

As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Peer Support Professional provides direct support to individuals experiencing mental health and co-occurring challenges. The role serves as a client advocate within systems, provides mentoring and education, and models wellness and recovery. The professional works with adults, adolescents, children, and their families or supports, following the ethical guidelines of the National Association of Peer Supporters (NAPS). Support is voluntary, strengths-focused, and person-driven, delivered in individual and group settings at Health Solutions West and/or other community-based locations. The position helps clients regain control over their own recovery.

Requirements

Lived experience with mental health condition(s) and/or substance use condition(s).
Must be a current or former consumer of mental health and/or substance abuse services.
Ability to organize and prioritize workload in a sometimes hectic environment with frequent interruptions.
Organizational skills and creative problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of and ability to apply de-escalation skills.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to take initiative and develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, clients, and community members.
Working knowledge of Windows-based computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and internet access.
Ability to use computer software applications, including an electronic health record (EHR).
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and multi-line telephone.
Ability to travel between Health Solutions West sites.
Must already be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Prior peer support training is preferred; otherwise, the employee must complete 80-hour Peer Support Training provided by CO Mental Wellness Network after hire.
CO Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) credential is preferred.
Experience as a consumer of services in the public mental health system is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct support to individuals experiencing mental health and co-occurring challenges.
Advocate for clients within systems.
Provide mentoring and education, and model wellness and recovery.
Work with adults, adolescents, children, and their families or supports.
Follow the ethical guidelines established by the National Association of Peer Supporters (NAPS).
Provide voluntary, strengths-focused, person-driven support in individual and group settings.
Observe, report, and document clients’ recovery processes in the electronic health record.
Use individual and group supervision to develop proficiency in the peer role.
Work independently and as part of a treatment team.