Peer Support Specialist (CSS)

Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority•Saginaw, MI

11d•$16 - $18

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Mental Health Supervisor (Community Support Services), works in conjunction with the Community Support Services (CSS) team to instill a message of hope and recovery to adult consumers with mental illness. Will work with assigned consumers with the specific purpose of supporting consumers to achieve increased community inclusion and participation, independence and productivity. Serves as a model for others that recovery can be achieved and is willing to share their story of recovery. This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid consumer in the recovery process.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent with the ability to read and understand written plans of service and clearly and concisely document contacts.
Must have received behavioral health services similar to those provided within the SCCMHA system of care.
Valid Michigan Driver’s license with good driving record.
Must have or attain within six (6) months of hire certification through Michigan Department Community Health (MDCH) as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS).
Must have or attain within six (6) months of hire certification through Michigan Department Community Health (MDCH) as a Certified Youth Peer Support Specialist (CYPSS).
A belief that individuals with a serious mental illness can live productive lives.
Willingness to share your own personal story of recovery with the public and other consumers.
Ability to plan, organize and complete work in a timely fashion.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Must have safe driving habits and a valid Michigan Drivers license.
Must have the computer skills necessary to document consumer contacts.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Ability to accept constructive supervision.
Knowledge and support for person centered planning concepts.
Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.
Visual Acuity to observe consumer behavior’s, read and proofread documents and use CRT.
Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.
Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)
Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.
Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, consumers and the general public.
Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.
Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.
Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or consumers.

Responsibilities

Will work closely with case managers and other unit members to ensure that services are provided according to agency policy and the person centered plan.
Will participate in required trainings as identified by the supervisor.
Will complete documentation of all job tasks according to agency policy utilizing an electronic medical record.
Will assist consumers in carrying out tasks related to their person centered plan including but not limited to pre-planning, plan development and implementation, assistance with keeping appointments, assistance with refilling prescriptions and transportation, as needed.
Will participate in approved staff development activities, in-services and supervisory sessions.
Will participate in staff meetings to receive current information, guidance and direction and to represent the voice of consumers and the belief in recovery.
Will advocate on behalf of consumers with severe and persistent mental illness.
Will meet expectations for units/hours of service as established by the organization.
Will participate in the planning for and implementation of evidence based practices.
Adheres to the mission, vision, core values and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times.
May represent SCCMHA on internal/external committees or workgroups to enhance service delivery and development and quality of care.
Performs various administrative/clerical functions such as preparing travel vouchers, making copies of documents, filing, etc.
Reacts productively to change.
Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor, consistent with the accomplishment of agency goals and objectives and the functions of the position.
Uses computer hardware and software to perform tasks.
May provide transportation to agency consumers consistent with identified needs and as agreed upon by assigned staff and supervisor.