Peer Support Specialist This position is located at our Crisis Center located in Dothan, Alabama Schedule: Monday-Friday (12p-830p) POSITION SUMMARY/FUNCTION
Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) work from the perspective of their lived experience to help build environments conducive to recovery.
They promote hope, personal responsibility, empowerment, education, and self determination in the communities where they serve.
CPSs are trained to assist others in skill-building, problemsolving, setting up and maintaining self-help mutual support groups, and building self-directed recovery tools.
A critical role of the CPS is supporting others in developing their recovery goals, and specific steps to reach those goals.
Travel will be required, specifically if needed to go out with the Mobile Crisis Team.
Essential duties/Responsiblities/Functions/Tasks
1. Utilizing recovery experience, the peer support specialist will
- A. Teach and role model the value of every individual’s recovery experience. B. Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies. C. Assist individuals in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self advocacy. Utilize regular meetings, individual, and/or group sessions. D. Articulate with individuals what has been helpful and what not been helpful in his/her own recovery process. E. Identify beliefs and values an individual holds that works against his/her recovery. F. Discern when and how much of their recovery story to share with individuals. 2.
- Using a formal goal setting process, the peer support specialist will: A. Assist individuals in articulating personal goals for recovery and wellness. Support individuals in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals. B. Assist individuals in working with treatment team in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve these goals and self-directed recovery. 3.
- Utilizing their specific training, the
- CPS will: A. Lead as well as teach individuals how to facilitate Recovery Dialogs. B. Support individuals in creating a wellness plan. C. Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups. D. Teach individuals techniques for identifying and combating negative self-talk. E. Teach individuals techniques for identifying and overcoming fears. F. Support the vocational choices individuals make and support them in overcoming job-related anxiety. G. Support individuals in building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure. H. Support individuals in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend their unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible. I. Attend treatment team meetings to promote individual’s use of self-directed recovery tools. J. Ability to assist in establishing support systems and interface with agencies, organizations, and groups 4. Maintain proper documentation in a timely manner as required by SpectraCare Personnel Policy, SpectraCare Clinical Policy, including but not limited to the Alabama Administrative Code, CMS, and all other applicable regulating and contractual entities. A. Ensure privacy and confidentiality of all individual records in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR and all other applicable state or federal laws. B. Ensure all written documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner to include but not limited to documents that support: i. assisting individuals in identifying strengths, ii. assisting individuals in identifying recovery and wellness goals, iii. assisting individuals in identifying barriers and setting objectives, iv. support individuals in determining recovery and wellness interventions based on their life goals, v. recognizing and reporting progress individuals make toward meeting objectives, vi. understanding and utilizing specific interventions necessary to support individuals in meeting their recovery and wellness goals. C. Ensure that all records are staffed within standard time frames. D. Ensure that all progress notes are completed promptly, written in a professional manner and in accordance with policies and procedures. E. Ensure that goals are appropriate, specific, and the focus of treatment. F. Ensure that all patient information is kept up to date. 5. Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals and other relevant material. A. Continue to develop and share recovery-oriented material with others. B. Attend relevant seminars, meetings, and in-service trainings as approved. C. Attend continuing education sessions when offered by the ADMH. 6.
- The
- CPSs will serve as a recovery agent by: A. Providing and advocating for effective recovery-based services. B. Support individuals in obtaining services that suit that individual’s recovery needs. C. Inform individuals about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process. D. Support individualsin developing empowerment skill through self-advocacy and the use of Human Experience Language to combat stigma. E. Support individuals in setting up and sustaining Self-Help support groups. 7. Assist with crisis intervention as needed. 8. Other duties as assigned by the Program Director. A. Actively participates in committees as required. B. Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner. C. Works in a cooperative manner with other SpectraCare employees. D. Receive and respond to inquiries promptly and courteously. E. Must perform all duties with the highest standard of ethics. F. Attends regular workshops, trainings, in-services, and/or administrative meetings as appropriate. G. Maintain travel records accurately and submitted within the appropriate timeframe. H. Ensure necessary documentation is completed and up to date before annual leave or personal leave is taken. I. Adhere to Dress Code as set forth in the SpectraCare policies and procedures. J. Follow guidelines of SpectraCare Personnel Policy, SpectraCare Clinical Policy, including but not limited to the Alabama Administrative Code, CMS, and all other applicable regulating and contractual entities. K. Performs duties independently and/or with minimal supervision. L. Functions within professional boundaries with patients and others. M. Works well with other staff and individuals to ensure safety of program, individuals, and other staff. N. Functions and performs well in stressful environments and manages work related stress to ensure client safety. O. Applies seclusion and restraint per SpectraCare policy and procedures. P. Documents crises, protective holds, seclusions and restraints. Q. Participates in beginning/end of shift unit reporting. R. Demonstrates willingness to work on any unit / program at SpectraCare based on facility needs as directed. S. Other services, tasks, functions, and responsibilities deemed necessary; not otherwise specified. 9. Regular attendance with timely arrival and departure. A. Must be able to work full time with rotating assignments as necessary to include but not limited to overtime hours, nights and/or weekends as scheduled. B. To insure individual/employee safety while on duty, must remain awake during scheduled working hours.
Non-Essential duties/Responsiblities/Functions/Tasks
- Attend mandatory trainings as required by ADMH or other agencies to include Certified Peer Specialist Training.
- Attend departmental meetings and other assigned meetings.
- Attend all required job-related/system training.
- Assist in other areas as needed.
- Conforms to System’s policies and procedures.
Essential qualifications/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
1. An understanding of their job and the skills to that job
- A. Understand the basic structure of the state Mental Health System and how it works. B. Understand the CPS job description and Code of Ethics of SpectraCare and within ADMH. C. Understand the meaning and role of peer support. D. Understand the difference in treatment goals and recovery goals. E. Be able to create and facilitate a variety of group activities that support and strengthen recovery. F. Be able to complete the necessary documentation required by SpectraCare Personnel Policy, SpectraCare Clinical Policy, including but not limited to Alabama Administrative Code, CMS, and all other applicable regulating and contractual entities. G. Be able to support an individual’s combat negative self-talk, overcome fears, and solve problems. H. Be able to support an individual articulate, set and accomplish his/her goals. I. Be able to teach other individuals to create their own wellness plan. J. Be able to teach other individuals to advocate for the services they want. K. Be able to support an individual create a Person-Centered Plan. 2. An understanding of the recovery process and how to use their own recovery story to support others. A. Knowledge of mental illness, substance abuse and recovery from illness. B. Understand the stages in the recovery process and what is helpful and not helpful in each stage. C. Understand the role of peer support at each stage of the recovery process. D. Understand the power of beliefs/values and how they support or work against recovery. E. Understand the basic philosophy and principles of psychosocial rehabilitation. F. Understand the basic definition and dynamics of recovery. G. Be able to articulate what has been useful and what not useful in his/her own recovery. H. Be able to identify beliefs and values an individual holds that works against his/her recovery. I. Be able to discern when and how much of their recovery story to share with whom. 3. An understanding of and the ability to establish healing relationships. A. Understand the dynamics of power, conflict and integrity in the workplace. B. Understand the concept of seeking out common ground. C. Understand the meaning and importance of cultural competency. D. Be able to ask open-ended questions that relate a person to his/her inner wisdom. E. Be able to personally deal with conflict and difficult interpersonal relations in the workplace. F. Be able to demonstrate an ability to participate in “healing communication”. G. Be able to interact sensitively and effectively with people of other cultures. 4. An understanding of the importance of and have the ability to take care of oneself. A. Understand the dynamics of stress and burnout. B. Understand the role and parts of the wellness plan. C. Be able to discuss his/her own tools for taking care of him/herself. 5.
- Other
- KSA’s the
- CPS must possess include but not limited to: A. Ability to respond professionally in a crisis-situation. B. Ability to maintain confidentiality under SpectraCare Policy, HIPAA laws, and 42 CFR and to establish effective working relationships with the Program Director and all levels of organizational staff. C. Ability to communicate with seriously mental ill individuals and staff, both written and oral. D. Ability to travel. E. Ability to adapt to conditions which may vary considerably. F. Basic knowledge of individual’s rights and advocacy. G. Ability to relay coping skills, positive attitude skills and self-esteem. H. Ability to facilitate peer support and/or self-help groups. I. Working knowledge of Business English, spelling and arithmetic. J. Ability to operate office machines such as computers, copier, and fax machines. K. Ability to attend to detailed assignments and follow through with task until completion. L. Ability to make arithmetic computation and tabulations accurately and with reasonable speed. M. Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions. N. Ability to assist in establishing support systems and interface with agencies, organizations, and groups. O. Ability to establish effective working relationships with other staff, program director, and all levels of organizational staff. P. Ability to function within professional boundaries with patients and others.
Training requirements
- Successfully complete Alabama Certified Peer Specialist Training and Exam held by ADMH.
- Complete initial new hire training.
- Complete required on the job training (OJT) training by the department.
- Obtain proper certifications needed to perform job duties.
- Complete annual training as required by the Alabama Administrative Code, CMS, and all other applicable regulating and contractual entities.
Work environnment / Physical requirements
- There is an occasional need to maintain back extension while being on stomach with one’s own body weight on hips and legs. This position is maintained for several minutes.
- Occasionally, be able to put one’s own body weight on one knee and one elbow on the same side of one’s body.
- Occasionally, be able to kneel and reach to same side toward the floor.
- Strong grasp is needed to open doors throughout the facility, and to maintain constant contact with an individual during a restrain procedure or with other hold techniques.
- There are times that require the employee to be able to ambulate as quickly as possible to assist coworkers with an individual in a restraint procedure.
- Must be able to travel to system facilities and/or other locations/outings with exposure to changing weather conditions.
- Work location is primarily in a temperature-controlled setting with minimal periods of sitting at a desk with associated repetitive motions. Must understand and practice good ergonomic movements to avoid injuries.
- Physical ability to correctly lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds on an infrequent basis.
- Required to talk to or hear staff, individuals, and/or others.
- Required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, lunge, squat and/or reach frequently.
- There may be times when mopping, sweeping, making beds, washing/drying clothes for individuals may be done.
- Employee may be exposed to one or more of the following: disagreeable odors, chemicals such as disinfectants, cleansers, soaps, etc; latex, plastic and other materials used for personal protective equipment; noise and distractions; unpleasant sights; unpredictable behaviors; body fluids; contagious diseases; and/or wet floors.
- If needed on Mobile Crisis Team, will travel within the community to provide services to individuals in need and may be exposed to various weather conditions. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required qualifications/Education/Experience
High School Diploma or GED. Must have personally experienced mental illness, must be in recovery. Must successfully complete ADMH Certified Peer Specialist training and exam upon hire. Possess a valid Driver License with good MVR. Must meet insurability requirements to drive a system vehicle (21 years of age).
Preferred qualifications/Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a mental illness or related field. Previously completed Certified Peer Specialist training and exam with ADMH
Benefits
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Company paid life insurance AD&D Insurance and dependent life insurance Paid time off- sick, personal, and vacation leave 10 Paid holidays Alabama State Retirement
