Peer Support Specialist (50701)

WESTCARE INC•Key Largo, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Specialist provides support for medical services by assisting with treatment plans, treatment plan reviews, patient assistance programs, IDP, outcomes, authorization overrides, follow-ups, State paperwork, and referrals. This role involves conducting face-to-face visits and handling medical service-related telephone calls with individuals receiving medical outpatient mental health services. The Peer Support Specialist also contributes the consumer perspective to recovery and empowers the client.

Requirements

HIV/AIDS 104 Basic Education and valid CPR Certificates are required.
20 hours of continuing education required annually.
Must hold a current Peer Certification as CPPS and/or CPRS from Florida Certification Board or must be able to obtain certification within 6 months of employment
High School Diploma or Equivalent is required
Must be a current recipient of behavioral health services with a minimum of two years in recovery (mental health and, if applicable, substance abuse).
Medical Terminology and understanding, written and verbal communication skills and administrative and clerical skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of theoretical and practical concepts of individual, group and family behavior
Demonstrated ability to deal with crisis situations
Demonstrated ability to manage change and achieve results
Demonstrated ability to expedite a voluminous flow of detailed work
Demonstrated ability to prepare clear and precise reports
Demonstrated ability to follow and interpret instructions
Demonstrated ability to appropriately and efficiently identify, prioritize and follow through on assignments
Working knowledge of reimbursement related rules and requirement
Ability to react appropriately in a Medical/Psychiatric emergency.
Ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion for client during Med/Psych crisis
Ability to comply with all statutory requirements and professional/ethical responsibilities concerning confidentiality.
Ability to demonstrate respect in all dealings with clients.
Takes time to make sure that clients understand communications.
Deals with other staff in a respectful and collegial fashion.
Ability to seek direction from Supervisor when appropriate.
Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values
Knowledge of Incident Reporting
Knowledge of HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Client Rights and Confidentiality
Familiarity with WestCare services and programs
Understanding of issues related to cultural identity, ethnic background, age, developmental level, gender and sexual orientation in prevention, intervention and treatment.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with culturally diverse staff and clients
Demonstrates respect for an individual’s cultural and ethnic values when interacting with them
Ability to use trauma informed care principles including ensuring client safety, preventing/avoiding re-traumatization, maximizing trustworthiness, enhancing client choice, maximizing collaboration, and emphasizing empowerment
Ability to identify and describe key signs, symptoms, impact and manifestations of trauma
Aware of the differences between trauma informed and trauma-specific services
Understand the bidirectional relationships among substance use and mental disorders and trauma
Understands the differences among various kinds of abuse and trauma, including: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; domestic violence; experiences of war for both combat veterans and survivors of war; natural disasters; and community violence
Demonstrates a high degree of dependability.
Maintains a good attendance record.
Observes working hours
Shows flexibility and is responsive to requests from supervisor
Works independently with minimal supervision
Exhibits characteristics of good workmanship, and integrity on the job
Work time is always productive
Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies
Is courteous to clients, staff, and all others.
Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time.
Cooperate with others both within and outside WestCare.
Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision
Maintains a positive attitude toward work
Ensures and maintains a safe working environment.
Work area is clean and orderly.
Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures.
Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center’s reporting procedures
Presents a positive personal image
Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor
Self-identifies as a person who has direct personal experience living in recovery from mental health and/or substance use conditions
Has a desire to use their experiences to help others with their recovery
Is willing to publicly identify as a person living in recovery for the purpose of educating, role modeling, and providing hope to others about the reality of recovery

Nice To Haves

Training and or Experience in Crisis Intervention Preferred

Responsibilities

Triages phone calls and provides community resource information as well as supportive counseling
Conducts screening & assessments and provides intervention services
Complete required state and intake paperwork
Assists in the completion of client admission and orientation procedures and documentation.
Initiates and/or responds to collateral individuals per treatment plan, policies and procedure
Communicates a Welcoming Expectation to the client; demonstrates empathic listening and compassion, and establishes a hopeful connection, in the process of collecting supporting information.
Engages individuals and families in the crisis planning process using evidenced based practices including Motivational Interviewing
Weekly psychoeducational groups and outreach events to support Recovery Community Organizations (RCO)
Same sex urinalysis testing
Coordinates prescriber visits, face to face or telehealth
Coordinate with doctor and participates in medical treatment planning and reviews; consults with each patient concerning attainment of treatment plan goals and objectives
Order medications as requested by medical staff/doctor
Maintains medication inventory
Records/maintains medication samples and IDP
Assists clients with medications, prescription assistance plans or IDP
Provides after hours crisis services on a rotation schedule
Conducts home visits
Interacts with management to gather and provide information
Provides recovery support through coaching and mentoring services to clients as assigned
Provides support by identifying potential 12 step groups appropriate for each client and/or member of the family which is noted in family treatment plan
May attend 12 step meetings with clients
Acts as an appropriate role model for clients and acts as a client advocate
Responds to clients questions in a timely manner
Participates in multidisciplinary staff meetings
Completes all documentation (including signature when necessary), on client status and behavior, per policies and procedures, and individual treatment plans
Completes daily Service Activity Log as requested
Works effectively / closely with Case Managers to assist in the coordination of client services.
Assists clients in making appropriate transportation arrangements as needed.
Contacts assigned clients on a weekly basis if absent or de-compensating.
Makes referrals for services as needed
Investigates and uses factual data for problem-solving client and / or staff related conflicts
Provides back-up coverage to front office/reception.
Assist with scheduling appointments, super bills/payments, answering phones.
Complete and comply with Request for records
Responsible for maintaining the patient's chart in compliance with State, CARF, Medicaid, and other rules and standards.
Attend and participate in training activities, staff meetings, and supervisory sessions.
Participate in case conference
Participate in training, as required, including e-learning
Participate in Performance Improvement activities
Perform other duties as assigned.
Completes all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position.
Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation; and Perform any other duties as assigned