Peer Support Specialist

Access•Dearborn, MI

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Peer Support Coach uses intermediate skills obtained through lived experience and training to provide support and motivation to clients seeking treatment and services related to assigned functional area, including alcohol and drug dependency and mental illness. Assesses client needs, provides consultation, guidance, and advocacy to clients through direct assistance, information, and referral to internal and external resources. Develops, implements, and monitors clients attainment of goals and objectives listed within treatment plans and individualized plans of services.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Community resources including social services agencies and crisis intervention providers
Processes, rules and regulations of various services and funding agencies surrounding the eligibility and maintenance of the services being received
HIPAA regulations based on assigned functional area
Skill in: Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office
Community Outreach/Activism
Mentoring
Ability to: Self-identify as a person who lived experience with assigned functional area and is prepared to use that experience in helping others
Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives
Facilitate meetings, ensuring that all viewpoints, ideas, and problems are addressed
Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Speak and write in English. Ability to interpret, speak and write in Arabic, Spanish or other native language of the predominant service population is preferred
Receive general guidance and direction to perform a variety of non-routine tasks and responsibilities
Resolve most questions and problems and refers new or unusual issues to a higher level
Maintain confidentiality of agency and client information
Minimum Degree Required: High school diploma or GED equivalent
At least one year of experience working in social services or any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources
Actively in recovery with (3-5) years lived experience in the field or other lived experience approved by Human Resources
Background check must show that candidate is fully off of probation/parole for a minimum of two years before date of hire.
Valid Drivers license
Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) MDHHS
QMHP Adults - 5 hours within 90 days after the first day of employment, or QMHP Children 24 hours within 90 days after the first day of employment
Peer Support Specialist certification
Certified Mental Health Fist Aid (MHFA)

Nice To Haves

Ability to interpret, speak and write in Arabic, Spanish or other native language of the predominant service population is preferred

Responsibilities

Engage and enroll clients in intervention and support services
Utilize program tools to develop a person-centered, individualized plan of service for each client, which will be used to identify goals, address barriers, and monitor progress towards recovery and self-sufficiency
Assist clients in recognizing and understanding at risk behaviors and coach client on redirecting those behaviors
Complete initial and follow-up review processes and necessary documentation related to services provided
Advocate on behalf of client in written and oral form when providing necessary referrals and contacts with other departments/agencies/companies
Coordinate delivery of benefits and various services the client was referred to ensure participation and program compliance based on assigned program
Provide peer coaching to clients in one-on-one or group settings to improve overall functioning, interpersonal relationships, integration into community, and support clients efforts to meet their individual and program goals
Administer testing as needed - depending upon assigned functional area, this may include blood testing and the coordination of administering, preparing, and shipping samples and receiving test results
Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate client referral sources
Maintain currency on new services and referral sources as well as services provided to clients
Maintain program policies and procedures per funding guidelines
Maintain agency confidentiality and client privacy
Follow the funding sources requirements and CARF standards applicable to the services provided
May conduct presentations and awareness campaigns in order to raise awareness of services offered and increase participation
May support recruitment efforts for assigned program area
May translate and interpret information for non-English speaking clients as needed
Routine contact with internal and external clients is required to obtain, clarify, or provide facts and information
Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned