Peer Support Specialist

People Encouraging People•Milford Mill, MD

4d•$19 - $21

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides outreach to patients in the community and coordinates health services between the Agency, community, and home settings. As a full member of the ACT team, the specialist provides rehabilitation and support services, substance abuse services and education, and support to families and other identified supports. The role includes crisis intervention under the Program Manager’s supervision, coordinating weekend shifts among peers, and contacting the on-call clinician when an in-person clinical intervention is needed. The specialist engages and screens prospective ACT clients, coordinates and advocates for client care, collaborates with community agencies, and provides case management and supportive counseling. The position also supports client and family education, assesses health needs and makes referrals, participates in team meetings and treatment planning, and follows the ACT Model of Care with high fidelity. The role may include on-call crisis coverage during nighttime and weekend hours when assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma and/or equivalent work experience.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification required.
One to six months of on-the-job training required for efficient job performance.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of mental health treatment.

Responsibilities

Conduct visits to agencies, shelters, and hospitals to engage clients for the ACT program.
Screen clients upon admission to the ACT program and obtain complete psychiatric and medical health histories.
Coordinate client care and collaborate with social and community agencies; advocate for clients and refer them to treatment facilities or community resources as required.
Participate in community ACT Team meetings, client care conferences, and clinical programs.
Coordinate with the team in providing rehabilitation services.
Educate clients and families about nutrition, medication and side effects, physical and psychiatric illnesses, dental care, substance abuse prevention, health maintenance, preventative care, diagnostic testing preparation, and prescribed acute or short-term treatment.
Provide communicable disease and sexually transmitted disease prevention training, including HIV/AIDS, as needed and if credentialed.
Assess clients’ acute health problems, determine appropriate health care providers, and make referrals.
Act as a liaison between the Agency and community programs.
Support other staff members in developing the case management role with their clients.
Provide advocacy and appropriate resources for clients.
Provide case management to an assigned group of clients, including coordinating and monitoring treatment-team activities and developing, writing, implementing, evaluating, and revising treatment goals and plans with the ITP.
Provide individual supportive counseling and assist with symptom management; ensure treatment plans are changed promptly as client needs change.
Educate and support clients’ families and advocate for clients’ rights and preferences.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of all domains of a person’s life.
Provide on-call crisis intervention when assigned, including nighttime and weekend coverage.
Develop expertise in the ACT philosophy and maintain high fidelity to the ACT Model of Care.
Provide crisis intervention under the supervision of the Program Manager and contact the on-call clinician for situations requiring clinical intervention.
Schedule and manage weekend shifts among peers to ensure service delivery to people in treatment.