Peer Support Specialist

UnitedHealth Group•Houston, TX

1d•$20 - $36•Remote

About The Position

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. This position works with the clinical team to implement care coordination when requested, which may include Peer Support Specialist as well as other community-based services designed to stabilize the consumer's condition. They collaborate with Care Managers, providers, and community agencies and organizations to facilitate access to and transition between services. The Peer Support Specialist is instrumental in assisting in reducing higher levels of services such as ER admissions or Inpatient psychiatric admissions. The Peer Support Specialist serves as subject matter content experts for state meetings surrounding policies for family and peer services. Schedule: Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Central Standard time. A 40-hour work week, the schedule to be determined by hiring manager upon hire. This position is a field-based position with a home-based office. You will work from home when not in the field. Location: Houston, Texas and surrounding communities in Texas Local travel up to 75%25 and mileage is reimbursed at current government rate. If you reside near Houston, Texas and surrounding communities in Texas, you will enjoy the flexibility to telecommute as you take on some tough challenges.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED (or higher) or 4+ years case management experience
Possess active/current Certified Peer Recovery Specialist or Certified Peer Support Specialist) certification in the state of Texas OR be able to obtain Peer Support Specialist certification within 12 months of employment
1+ years of working knowledge of community resources
1+ years of experience demonstrated understanding of the principles of recovery and resiliency and own lived experience
1+ years of computer proficiency experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and be able to access multiple web applications
Reside within a commutable distance to Houston, TX and surrounding communities in Texas and reside within the state of Texas
Ability to travel 75%25 of the time within 60 miles of territory assigned and Reliable transportation, with a current and non-restricted state of Texas Driver’s License and State-required insurance
Access to a designated quiet workspace in your home (separated from non-workspace areas) with the ability to secure Protected Health Information (PHI)
Live in a location that can receive a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet service

Nice To Haves

Associates degree or higher
Completion of Whole Health Action Management Training
Ability to facilitate training events
Ability to work independently and maintain good judgment and accountability
Demonstrated ability to work well with health care team
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks to meet all deadlines
Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret information from others

Responsibilities

Use his/her own Recovery LIVED experience and training to assist families and consumers with defining their Recovery goals, and developing the skills and knowledge needed for the consumer’s recovery
Experience working with consumers that have co-occurring Disorder, i.e., Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
Support the creation and assist with the implementation of a comprehensive Training and Education program with peers, families, Providers and staff
Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with existing Consumer and Family organizations, so members of those organizations become actively involved with Optum/Health Plan activities
Communicate Plan information to consumers and Consumer-operated organizations and with families and family organizations. In addition to communicating, a wide array of other topics including Clinical policies, analysis of data and Program evaluation
Identify and outreach to community and leaders of ethnic minority groups to identify and develop programs that are both culturally competent and also use recovery and resiliency
As directed, serve as a designated member of Internal subcommittees
Participate in Optum and Health Plan Quality Review processes
Enable us to communicate effectively with consumers and their families about all aspects of the Mental Healthcare Delivery system as well as their rights and responsibilities
As requested, provide support to consumer or family members in making needed appointments
Work with the Clinical Program Managers and the Clinical team to implement intensive, enhanced care coordination when requested, which may include peer support as well as other community-based services designed to stabilize the consumer’s condition, including working with the consumer in the development of a WRAP plan and a Crisis plan
Be available to provide direct support to consumers being discharged from 24-hour care or to refer them to a support group
Assist and support consumers and family members with Grievance processes
Collaborate with Care Managers, Providers, and Community agencies and organizations to facilitate access to and transition between services
Collaborate with Care Managers, providers, and community agencies and organizations to identify consumers who may benefit from peer support
Respond to concerns and questions from consumers and families
Participate in Treatment planning with consumers and families who request that support
Work with community agencies along with and/or on behalf of consumers and families
Provide feedback about Treatment planning development based on their interactions with other consumers and families
Advocate on behalf of the consumers and families
Provide peer support to consumers and family members at critical points in their treatment process
Enter documentation of all interactions into the documentation platform
Serve as liaison between Optum, the Health Plan and those who use services
Recruit and support consumers, parents and family members to participate in all phases of the operation of Optum and the Health Plan, from the Governing Body and Mental Health Advisory Board to Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QA/PI) Committees and all other critical initiatives
Extensive work experience within own function
Works independently
May act as a resource for others
Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays
Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account
Dental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage
401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Education Reimbursement
Employee Discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)

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