Peer Support Specialist – Mental Health Outreach

Options for Southern Oregon • Medford, OR

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

A Peer Support Specialist (PSS) in Mental Health Outreach is a self-identified person with a history of receiving mental health services and be well-grounded in one’s own recovery, with at least a year since diagnosis preferred. The MH Outreach PSS provides outreach and engagement activities to individuals with behavioral health needs that are hesitant to engage in treatment. This position works to develop a positive rapport with individuals in need, demonstrating a caring and empathic manner, which assists in building trust and facilitating entry into needed treatment. This position is primarily works in the community with Options personnel and community partners to outreach and engage clients in need of behavioral health services. This position will collaborate with community partners to help the individual in need access resources available to them.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and a general understanding of the population served.
• Have a history of receiving mental health services and be well-grounded in one’s own recovery, with at least a year since diagnosis preferred.
• Knowledge and skills sufficient for establishing effective relationships with clients who have a mental illness in order to support them in their own recovery.
• Competency in recognizing behavioral issues and symptoms of mental illnesses for the purpose of electronic documentation and communication with members of the treatment team.
• Must be eligible to become certified as a Peer Support Specialist on the State registry, and attend required trainings for certification when available.
• Candidates must be able to use e-mail, compose documents, save and locate documents electronically, and learn to use our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Must pass state-required background and DMV checks; possess a valid OR driver's license and a satisfactory driving record to be approved for driving rights.
• Candidate must be able to work independently and flexibly, under general supervision.
• Possess mature attitude and sensitivity to the needs of people who have a chronic mental illness; understanding of HIPAA laws regarding confidentiality of privileged information; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to work independently and with staff as agency needs dictate.

Nice To Haves

• Some post-secondary coursework preferred.
• Certification prior to hire preferred.
• Proficiency in Word and other MS Office applications preferred.
• Bilingual skills a plus; Options pays a premium for employees who can conduct business in Spanish and provide certification of a language proficiency test approved by the Oregon Health Authority that meets a proficiency level of “High Intermediate”.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes excellent communication and interpersonal skills to make the process of learning about services and accessing services a positive experience for each individual.
• Outreaches to clients and uses motivational interviewing to engage clients in needed services.
• Assists individuals in problem solving around personal issues impacting their ability to access services (i.e. transportation, remembering appointments).
• Assists individuals seeking services to complete required paperwork.
• Performs outreach activities that may include program participation screening, provides education on services and gathers relevant information from individuals.
• Serves as liaison to community resources, and assists clients in using these resources to enhance their independent living skills.
• Informs lead staff persons, clinicians, program managers and other pertinent parties of clients' needs or concerns.
• Monitors safety and security of the environment.
• Assists in management of behavioral emergencies.
• Keeps up-to-date documentation, answers phones, enters information into computer, may assist with scheduling appointments.
• Performs outreach both via phone and in person in the community to promote engagement in services.
• Transports clients to facilitate client-directed services, travels between sites and is required to drive.

Benefits

• Family medical, dental, long-term disability, 403(b) plan with 6% match, and more.
• Generous paid time off policy. (Annual accrual up to 208 hours - based on FTE status and available to use upon accrual).
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• Position may be eligible for Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED