Peer Support Specialist (PACT Program)

HOPE, Inc.•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

Promotes a recovery based approach to members who have recently experienced a crisis episode. Emphasizes hope, respect, self-direction and empowerment by providing peer support, education on community resources and other support and rehabilitation services, to aid in members’ recovery from mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. Increases and strengthens coping skills within 45 days to help prevent re-admission to hospital. Guidance and direction is provided by the Sr. Community Program Director and the Chief Clinical Officer.

Requirements

Peer - Individuals must have first- hand knowledge of a behavioral health condition or substance abuse issue, whether or not they received treatment or medication or identify as a family member of someone in recovery.
At least 21 years of age
High School/GED + 2 years’ behavioral health experience OR
AA or Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health field (preferred)
Graduation from Peer Support training
Demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills
Ability to implement organization-wide activities (setting objectives, developing strategies, developing policies and procedures for programming, and organizing the functions necessary to accomplish the activities)
Valid Arizona Driver’s license, Driver’s license is an essential requirement for performing duties for this position with a Clean Motor Vehicle Record - no more than 2 moving violations or a license suspension in past 3 years.
Current 1st Aid and CPR certification
Proof of TB within the last year
Fingerprint Clearance required for hospital admission.

Responsibilities

Understands PACT role in the community and inpatient settings.
Attempts contact with-in 24 hours of receiving referral in order to start PACT process in bridging from crisis episode to community supportive services.
Provides peer support to member in an inpatient setting, coordinating with hospital inpatient staff, and assists in discharge planning.
Provide support and rehabilitative services to achieve members’ goals through the use of one-to-one supportive services.
Assist member with enrolling in an Intake Agency if needed, coordinates with Intake Agency to ensure effective service delivery, and completes ART meetings.
Makes sure member attends follow up doctor’s appointments including the provision of transport if needed, utilizing agency vehicle.
Completes Crisis and Wellness plan with member as a tool to help member utilize community supports and resources.
Once services are completed, ensures and facilitates an effective transition back to Intake Agency.
Relates own recovery process in a positive and supportive manner through coaching, role modeling and mentoring in order to establish or strengthen member’s recovery.
Assist members in articulating personal goals for recovery and works with the member and their treatment team to determine the steps needed to achieve these goals.
Works with member to navigate and use community resources in an effective manner.
Supports safety of member’s living environment (personal safety, food supply, utilities and appliances working, adequacy of furnishings, and lack of fire hazards).
Provides instruction in activities of daily living (nutrition, meal planning, shopping, and meal preparation; budgeting; home cleaning and organization; personal grooming and laundry) if needed.
Communicates with clinical team regarding members’ level of independent functioning and current levels of support provided.
Advocates for members, as needed, to ensure delivery of necessary services.
Completes documentation for behavioral health record in accordance with agency and funding source requirements.
Ensure compliance with and support of Executive directives, Agency contracts and established policies and procedures.
Promotes HOPE, Inc. as the premier peer support organization to the behavioral health community and prospective funding sources.
Performs other related duties in accordance with agency growth, departments, and changes.