Peer Support Specialist (Vaya's Eastern Counties)

Vaya Health•Yanceyville, NC

10h•$46,302 - $60,193•Remote

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Peer Support Specialist Manager, the Peer Support Specialist function is an 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. The 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. This position requires access to and use of confidential healthcare information or protected health information (PHI) and requires training and adherence to laws addressing patient confidentiality, including HIPAA and state laws. A confidentiality statement must be signed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED is required.
1-2 years of experience working with the MH/SU population.
NC Certified Peer Support Specialist

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of the methods and principles of recovery and person-centered thinking.
Good customer service skills.
Ability to establish appropriate and respectful relationships/partnerships with persons with a wide range of disabilities and their families.
Ability to interact professionally and effectively with persons who are upset and who disagree.
Ability to build trust, establish rapport and use good communication skills.
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.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and under the direction of the Peer Support Specialist Manager.
Additional training required after hire in Assertive Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Active Listening Skills, RENEW Transition Model, and other relevant methods of engagement.

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 visits 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.
Provide In-Reach services to applicable members/recipients no less than quarterly. Peer Support Specialist may need to occur more frequently based on the housing situation of the member/recipient.
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.
Explain fully the benefits and financial aspects of clinically appropriate community based inclusive settings, including supported housing.
Facilitate and accompany member/recipient on site visits to permanent housing with tenancy rights.
Explore and address 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.
Review housing preferences.
Provide linkage to ongoing in-reach as a step-in education/exposure to the housing options and supports available.
Educate 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 all Peer Support Specialist activities and outcomes of in-reach efforts tracked to include refusals to meet with LME-MCO as well as lack of response to LME-MCO written communication about in-reach by the member/recipient or guardian.
Make all documentation related to Peer Support Specialist in-reach available to the State upon request.
Participate in all necessary activities at the NC state level, including training, information sessions, and committees related to Transitions to Community Living Initiative.
Work in close coordination with other Vaya staff, including but not limited to Transition Coordinators, care management, and other Vaya departments to ensure smooth transitions occur and challenges and barriers to transition are addressed timely.
Perform other duties as assigned.