Peer Support Specialist (Western North Carolina)

Vaya Health•Asheville, NC

9d•Remote

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Peer Support Specialist Manager, the Peer Support Specialist function is in-reach, engagement, education and support effort designed to accurately and fully inform adults who have serious mental illness (SMI) or a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) about community based mental health services and supported housing options including but not limited to the availability of tenancy support services and rental assistance. Peer Support Specialist in-reach is ongoing with the goal of educating members/recipients about all community-based options, including the option to transition to supported housing, its benefits, the array of services and supports available to those in supported housing to include rental subsidy and other assistance members/recipients may need. In-reach also includes informing members/recipients about Medicaid, Special Assistance, services under the North Carolina State Plan for Medical Assistance or the State funded service array for which the members/recipients are eligible. Peer Support Specialist in-reach also includes offering the members/recipients opportunities to meet with other members/recipients with disabilities who are living, working, and receiving services in inclusive settings. Note: This position requires access to and use of confidential healthcare information or protected health information (PHI) as described in laws addressing patient confidentiality, including, but not limited to, the federal HIPAA law, the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Substance Use Patient Records law, 42 CFR Part 2, and various state laws. As such, the individual filling this position shall be required to be trained regarding such laws and shall be required to observe those laws in his/her capacity as an employee of Vaya Health. The individual filling this position shall also sign a confidentiality statement as an employee of Vaya Health.

Requirements

General knowledge of the methods and principles of recovery and person-centered thinking is needed.
Having good customer service skills are essential.
The ability to establish appropriate and respectful relationships/partnerships with persons with a wide range of disabilities and their families.
Includes the ability to interact professionally and effectively with persons who are upset and who disagree.
Building trust, establishing rapport and using good communication skills are key for this position.
Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies which govern human services is helpful.
Knowledge about Medicaid and Special Assistance benefits, available clinical services, community supports, and supported housing is necessary.
Is able to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
The ability to work effectively as a team member and under the direction of the Peer Support Specialist Manager.
Additional training is required, which can be obtained after hire, in the following skills set: Assertive Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Active Listening Skills, RENEW Transition Model, and other relevant methods of engagement.
High school diploma or GED is required for this position and 1-2 years of experience working with the MH/SU population.
NC Certified Peer Support Specialist
Must live in or near Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Haywood, Transylvania, Rutherford, Polk, or Yancey County, NC.
The person in this role must live in North Carolina or within 40 miles of the North Carolina border.

Responsibilities

Make minimum in-reach visits per day to meet weekly visit requirements.
Meet minimum requirements per In Reach, Transition, Diversion policy for potential transition participants per month.
Make minimum requirements for completion of the Informed Decision-Making Tool per month
Ensure adherence to boundaries within In Reach, Transition, Diversion policy and do not provide services or supports outside of the scope of work.
Maintain caseload (In-Reach List) by ensuring every person has a Peer Support Specialist visit prior to reaching 90 days. Frequency of ivisits can vary within 90 days based on readiness for transition.
Communicate with manager any upcoming events (if known) that may impact minimum requirements and will propose an alternative plan to ensure that requirements are met.
Coordinate a face-to-face meeting with members/recipients and guardians as applicable to determine a member/recipient’s interest in integrated supported housing with tenancy rights and behavioral health services.
Assess member/recipient’s interest in supported housing
Explaining fully the benefits and financial aspects of clinically appropriate community based inclusive settings, including supported housing
Facilitating and accompanying member/recipient on site visits to permanent housing with tenancy rights
Exploring and addressing the concerns of any member/recipient who declines the opportunity to move into supported housing or who are ambivalent about moving into supported housing, despite being qualified for such housing
Reviewing housing preferences
Provide linkage to ongoing in-reach as a step-in education/exposure to the housing options and supports available
Educating member/recipient about services covered under the North Carolina State Plan for Medical Assistance, Medicaid 1915(b)(c) waiver, or the State funded service array
Document and track outcomes of in-reach efforts
Participate in all necessary activities at the NC state level.
Work in close coordination with other Vaya staff to ensure smooth transitions occur and challenges and barriers to transition are addressed timely.
Other duties as assigned.