Peer Support Specialist Level I

Range Mental Health Center•Virginia, MN

47d•$18 - $25

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist role utilizes personal experiences to collaborate with, coach and challenge clients to view their life situations as an opportunity for growth and change within each individual’s recovery. The incumbent provides highly individualized services in the community, promoting individual self-determination and decision-making to individuals with Mental Health or Substance Abuse issues.

Requirements

Reliable transportation to and from work
Good verbal and written communication skills
Good observation, rapid assessment, and crisis management skills
Non-judgmental attitude toward persons with disabilities/cultural differences
Ability to be flexible and to work as a team member
Good understanding of local and state mental health system
Regular and reliable attendance is a requirement to this position
Minnesota driver’s license required
Must be at least 21 years old
Have a High School Diploma or equivalent
Have or have had a primary diagnosis of mental illness
Be willing to share their experience with recovery
Successfully completed the Department approved Certified Peer Specialist training and certification exam
Be felony free for at least one year, have no active order for protections, and pass the required background check
One year freedom of chemical usage problems
Philosophical approach consistent with Range Mental Health Center’s mission
Ability to lift 25 pounds
Ability to deal with significant daily stress
Sufficient vision to utilize a computer monitor
Sufficient hearing to accurately record or respond to another party both in person, by phone, or in a group setting
Ability to climb stairs
Maintain an acceptable level of cleanliness and physical appearance
Must be able to maintain a Minnesota driver's license and auto insurance

Responsibilities

Provide individual and/or group peer support for the people we serve
Complete documentation for peer support program per RMHC procedures
Assist the people we serve in making progress on treatment plan goals
Coordinate and refer clients to services as needed to achieve and maintain their optimal level of functioning
Act as an advocate for the people we serve
Assist the people we serve in obtaining and maintaining their benefits
Provide crisis assistance as needed
Support, assist, enable the people we serve to develop and enhance stability, competencies, personal/emotional adjustments and independent living and community skills
Attend and actively participate in weekly peer support meeting
Attend and participate in multidisciplinary employee meetings, minimum of one time per month or as required
Provide program transportation as needed
Complete continuing education training of at least 30 hours every two years in areas of mental health recovery, mental health rehabilitative services and peer support.
Follow all Federal guidelines in accordance with the Department of Labor’s statutes and laws and any other regulatory agencies.
Other duties as assigned.