Substance Use Peer Mentor

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center•Chanute, KS

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will cover Allen & Neosho County. The Substance Use Peer Mentor (substance use disorder) must meet the defined Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Behavioral Health requirements for substance use disorder, be employed by a licensed or certified substance use disorder provider; meet age, training, and supervision requirements, and self-identify as active in stable recovery from alcohol and/or illicit substance use for at least one year. If employed in the same agency in which the individual receives services, the individual must have completed services at that agency for a minimum of six months. Must pass KBI, DCF child & adult abuse check, motor vehicle screen, and background checks. If the position requires the use of a personal vehicle for work purposes, the employee must have reliable, insured transportation that is properly registered and compliant with all applicable state and local requirements.

Requirements

Meet the defined Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Behavioral Health requirements for substance use disorder.
Be employed by a licensed or certified substance use disorder provider.
Meet age, training, and supervision requirements.
Self-identify as active in stable recovery from alcohol and/or illicit substance use for at least one year.
If employed in the same agency in which the individual receives services, the individual must have completed services at that agency for a minimum of six months.
Pass KBI, DCF child & adult abuse check, motor vehicle screen, and background checks.
If the position requires the use of a personal vehicle for work purposes, the employee must have reliable, insured transportation that is properly registered and compliant with all applicable state and local requirements.
Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to work independently in the community.
Proficient with computers and word processing.
Regular and punctual attendance is required and is an essential function of this position.
Ability to operate a vehicle as part of routine job functions.
Ability to use a computer and software as part of routine job functions.
Employees are expected to perform duties at the designated work location stated in the offer letter unless otherwise noted by your supervisor.
Attendance at in-person meetings and training sessions is required, even for remote or hybrid roles, as necessary, unless otherwise noted by your supervisor.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs as part of routine job functions.

Responsibilities

Identify supports needed for patients and supports required to manage patient conditions and assist in accessing these supports.
Assessing the strengths and needs of patients and supports, identifying barriers to patients’ highest level of health and success, locating resources to eliminate these barriers, and advocating on behalf of patients and supports to ensure that they have the support necessary for improved health.
Assist in completing paperwork, provision of information, and assist in accessing self-help and peer support services.
Provide patients and their support systems with an understanding of the effect(s) of the condition on the patient’s life and improving adherence to an agreed-upon treatment plan, with the goal of improved overall health and quality of life.
Promote the self-management capabilities of patients.
Involves the ability to determine when patients and supports are ready to receive and act upon information provided, and assist them with making informed choices.
Involves an awareness of the complexities of family dynamics and an ability to respond to patient needs when complex relationships come into play.
Referral to supports and services and determining the services needed for the patient to achieve the most successful outcome(s).
Identifying available resources, assisting the patient in advocating for access to care, assisting in the completion of paperwork, identifying supports if service providers are unavailable in the patient’s community, following through until the patient has access to needed services, and considering the family/support persons/guardian preferences when possible.
Supports and services include long-term care, mental health and substance use services, housing, transportation, and other services the patient needs.
A thorough knowledge of the medical and non-medical service delivery system within and outside of the patient’s area.
Engagement with community and social supports.
Establishing and maintaining relationships with community services providers, e.g., Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers, the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), faith-based organizations, etc.
Fostering communication and collaborating with social supports.
Knowledge of the eligibility criteria for services.
Identifying sources for comprehensive resource guides, or the development of a comprehensive resource guide.
For work-related travel, employees must operate company or personal vehicles responsibly, in accordance with all traffic laws, regulations, and organizational safety policies.
Perform other duties as assigned by your Supervisor or the Chief Executive Officer.