Peer Support Specialist (Buncombe & Henderson Counties, NC)

Vaya Health•Asheville, NC

2d•$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. This includes informing them about the availability of tenancy support services and rental assistance. The role involves ongoing in-reach to educate members/recipients about community-based options, the benefits of supported housing, and the services and supports available, such as rental subsidies. Additionally, the Peer Support Specialist will inform members/recipients about Medicaid, Special Assistance, and other relevant state-funded services for which they are eligible. The position also offers opportunities for members/recipients to meet with peers who are living, working, and receiving services in inclusive settings. This position requires access to and use of confidential healthcare information (PHI) and adherence to HIPAA and other relevant confidentiality laws, including training and signing a confidentiality statement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
1-2 years of experience working with the MH/SU population
NC Certified Peer Support Specialist
Must live in or near Buncombe or Henderson County, NC.
Must maintain residency in North Carolina or within 40 miles of the North Carolina border.
Access to and use of confidential healthcare information or protected health information (PHI).
Trained regarding laws addressing patient confidentiality (HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, etc.).
Observe laws addressing patient confidentiality in capacity as an employee.
Sign a confidentiality statement as an employee of Vaya Health.
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 about Medicaid and Special Assistance benefits, available clinical services, community supports, and supported housing.
Able 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.
Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparation and analysis of documents; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
Physical activity includes crouching, reaching, walking, talking, hearing and repetitive motion of hands, wrists and fingers.
Sedentary work with lifting requirements up to 10 pounds, sitting for extended periods of time.
Mental concentration is required in all aspects of work.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies which govern human services.
Additional training to be obtained 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.
Communicate with manager any upcoming events that may impact minimum requirements and propose an alternative plan to ensure requirements are met.
Provide In-Reach services to applicable members/recipients no less than quarterly, potentially more frequently based on housing situation.
Coordinate a face-to-face meeting with members/recipients and guardians to determine 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 or is ambivalent about moving into supported 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, including refusals and lack of response.
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 Transition Coordinators, care management, and other Vaya departments to ensure smooth transitions and address challenges and barriers.
Perform other duties as assigned.