Peer Support Specialist - Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Health

Mahec•Asheville, NC

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join MAHEC's Peer Support Specialist team at the Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Biltmore Campus (Asheville). This is a full-time position eligible for MAHEC's Total Rewards package. This Peer Support Specialist will function in the primary role of providing peer support services to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. This position will work collaboratively with the MAHEC staff in assigned clinics to provide patients with support and resources to maintain recovery. Peer Support Services (PSS) are an evidence-based mental health model of care that provides community-based recovery services directly to an adult diagnosed with a mental health or substance use disorder. PSS provides both structured, scheduled services and unscheduled consultation services that promote recovery, self-determination, and self-advocacy, engagement in self-care and wellness and enhancement of community living skills of individuals. PSS services directly provided by Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) who have self-identified as a person(s) in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorder. The Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for providing essential expertise and consultation to the entire interdisciplinary healthcare team to promote a culture in which each individual’s point of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation, and community self-help activities while serving as an advocate for patients.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent
1 year of experience working with persons with mental illness or substance use disorder
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Training in use of NCCare 360
Effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Effective time management skills and ability to work under pressure
Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail
Valid driver’s license and ability to operate MAHEC vehicles and be covered under MAHEC insurance.
North Carolina PSS Certification.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in a related healthcare field
CPR, First Aid, NCI

Responsibilities

Provide time-limited, individualized, ethical guidance and coaching through the peer lens in person/onsite, and telephonically to patients.
Protect and advocate for the patient’s rights and assist in reducing associated stigma.
Lead peer groups and assist with clinically supported psychoeducational groups.
Provide support in the community with MAHEC partnerships locations, such as AHOPE, and at community functions during work hours.
As time allows, and with permission of patients, join patient appointments for established patients in assigned clinics to support patients having trouble engaging in clinical care or accessing resources.
Support patient treatment across service lines to promote positive outcomes, which could include utilization of measurement tools such as Social Determinants of Health.
Update community resources and share information with patients and providers.
Support patients access to care through coordination of services across MAHEC and in the larger community.
Provide training in the use of personal and community resources and supports to PSS patients related to their mental health and/or substance use recovery.
Adhere to patient documentation standards set forth by MAHEC.
Maintain and comply with NC CPSS requirements and ethical standards.
Work in cooperation with other providers, family members or significant others involved in the patient’s recovery plan.
Attend Department Staff meetings, Provider Meetings, Case Conferences and Individual and Group Supervision.
Attain established standards of productivity.
Observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment, both internally and when dealing with external agencies and/or individuals.
Be responsible for understanding patient’s rights policy and procedures.
Participate in staff training and development, and training on platforms essential to the job description.
At request of department, serve on designated committees within the organization.
Observe the guidelines established within MAHEC policy and procedures related to boundaries and professionalism.
Perform other related duties as assigned.