Peer Support Specialist

Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare • Mason City, IA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides direct care to patients with a combination of mental health support and basic living assistance to prevent the need for a more intrusive level of care. Services may be provided in the patient’s home, Prairie Ridge offices, or other community locations to support activities of daily living. This position delivers recovery-oriented, patient-centered services while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Requirements

• A minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
• Actual lived experience accessing mental health services for self (required).
• Knowledge of, and experience in working with adults with mental illness (required).
• Peer Supports must participate in the Peer Support Specialist certification training within the first six months of employment.
• WRAP trained or the ability and willingness to obtain WRAP training in the first available training post hire.
• Understanding of the mission of Prairie Ridge and the patients we work with.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication skills as well as record keeping.
• Technology skills allowing for proficiency in the use of an electronic health record.
• The employee must possess a valid driver’s license, liability insurance policy, and a reliable means of transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct care to patients with a combination of mental health and basic living support to prevent the need for a more intrusive level of care.
• Patient care will be provided at home or office or in other community locations to support activities of daily living.
• Provides support and advocacy for an assigned group of patients.
• Coordinates and monitors activities of daily living.
• Supports patients with behavioral health symptom management.
• Provides support for locating housing options, maintaining current housing arrangements, teaching or supporting using skills to maintain a clean home and advocating for member support with landlords/other tenants/etc.
• Engages other staff members and/or their caretakers on alternatives to emergency or hospital care.
• Participates in a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
• Delivers crisis response as needed under the supervision of the Community Services Director.
• Works cooperatively with referral agencies.
• Helps patient with paperwork and entitlement applications.
• Participates in patient-centered comprehensive assessment at admission and yearly after that, minimally. Comprehensive assessment can be completed throughout the year if/when significant life changes occur.
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect while maintaining agency standards of confidentiality, professionalism and objectivity.
• Adhere to all confidentiality requirements and regulations as outlined in CARF policies and procedures.
• Participate in Quality Improvement activities, including data collection, tracking, and analysis.
• Maintain an active workload in accordance with minimum caseload requirements, clinical quality standards and quality management plan protocols.
• Record and maintain documentation.
• Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
• Develop additional programs/recovery groups to meet the needs of the patients.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures set forth by Prairie Ridge including all necessary paperwork requirements and deadlines.
• All other duties as assigned by direct supervisor, direct line of authority and/or regulatory bodies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED