Peer Support Specialist - Integrated Care

NORTH RANGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH•Evans, CO

7d•$16 - $22

About The Position

Integrated Care recognizes that behavioral health is a core component of a person’s overall well-being – “mind the body, mind the mind.” This position supports the delivery of behavioral health services within primary care settings, increasing access and reducing barriers by being care directly to an individual’s medical home (primary care facility). Team members provide a range of services, including behavioral health screenings, assessments, case management, and individual or group therapy. Services are offered in fast-paced primary care clinics where individuals often present with both physical and behavioral health needs, requiring a flexible, collaborative, and patient-centered approach. This position supports both scheduled and walk-in clientele, balancing brief interventions with more structured therapy. Staff may work in one or more of the seven integrated Sunrise locations and must be comfortable moving between sites as program needs evolve. Staff must maintain accurate and timely documentation across multiple electronic health records (EHR) systems while collaborating with multidisciplinary medical teams to coordinate comprehensive, whole-person care. As a Peer Support Specialist, you can expect to provide a supportive environment to help clients identify their own goals toward recovery and/or resiliency. Peers help teach skills to help clients work towards their self-identified goals (social, educational, housing, benefit, illness management, etc.). You will use your unique personal experience to engage clients in a peer-to-peer capacity.

Requirements

A High School Diploma and/or ability to successfully demonstrate reading, writing, and speaking skills, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Must have personal experience by having been impacted by mental illness, substance abuse issues, other co-occurring challenges, or any child and family issues.
Demonstrate working a personal recovery/resiliency plan for at least one year is required.
A Valid Driver’s License and driving record that meets agency insurability as set forth by someone who must transport clients/program participants.
Must have sensitivity to individual needs and show respect for a person’s independence and ability.
Ability to take peer-to-peer training as required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are highly desired.

Responsibilities

Use personal experience to model the value of every client’s experience and to teach effective coping techniques and self-help strategies that lead to recovery and resiliency. Offer clients hope regarding recovery and/or resiliency, through appropriate self-disclosure, role modeling, and coaching during the recovery process and/or development of resiliency.
Assist with administrative tasks, including greeting clients at the walk-in center and collaborating with the crisis team to organize and maintain the office space.
Collaborate with therapists to coordinate services in response to the client's needs and behaviors to achieve the goals of the service/treatment plan as assigned; prevent deterioration, and or hospitalization. May be called upon for appraisal of client needs to make appropriate recommendations for services.
Coordinate a wide variety of services for clients to receive benefits and access resources from internal and external service providers. May help identify the client’s needs and provide access to services.
Assist clients in identifying barriers to recovery/resiliency and individual warning signs; help cultivate positive behaviors to prevent relapse, avoid future crisis involvement, and focus on wellness.
Assist clients in improving their well-being and quality of life by coaching in behavioral skills; educate clients to make informed choices; help clients problem solve and negotiate tasks/activities of daily living. May provide a listening ear when needed.
Teach and role model the importance of medication monitoring, and clear communication with medical and mental health providers as needed; may assist clients in developing a wellness or recovery/resiliency plan.
Provide support and encouragement to the client and/or family members.
Advocate for the client in many different forums, including but not limited to the school system, nursing homes, and with family.
As required by the program, document progress reports, mentoring notes, letters, faxes, and phone calls; maintain electronic health records following agency standards.