Peer Support Specialist (ACT Team)

Elizabeth Layton Center Inc•Ottawa, KS

5d•$18 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides consumer-centered, recovery-focused Peer Support services to adults in the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program. Services promote coping skills for managing psychiatric symptoms, use of natural resources, and community living skills. Activities are guided by goals and objectives in each consumer’s individualized treatment plan and provide opportunities for consumers to support one another in restoring and expanding skills and strategies for recovery. Services are face-to-face with the consumer present and may be delivered individually or in groups. Most contacts take place in community locations where consumers live, work, attend school, or socialize. The position reports directly to the ACT Team Coordinator.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must be certified in Kansas to provide the service. Certification includes criminal, abuse/neglect registry, and professional background checks, and completion of a state-approved standardized basic training program.
Must self-identify as a present or former primary consumer of mental health services.
Ability to relate and work creatively and energetically with consumers.
Ability to relate a positive approach to complex mental health issues.
Ability to communicate directly and effectively in a cooperative manner.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and consumers.
Ability to be sensitive to cultural and ethnic differences.
Ability to safely perform major job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

Responsibilities

Help consumers develop a network for information and support from people with similar experiences.
Assist consumers in regaining the ability to make independent choices and take a proactive role in treatment, including discussing questions or concerns about medication, diagnoses, or treatment approaches with their treating clinician.
Assist consumers in identifying and effectively responding to or avoiding identified precursors or triggers that result in functional impairments.
Work with other mental health center staff and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
Meet deadlines for daily paperwork and provide quality documentation.
Complete required trainings as assigned.
Comply with Elizabeth Layton Center policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as deemed appropriate by the immediate supervisor or designee.