Peer Support Specialist (Grant Funded)
Description
WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
CLASSIFICATION CODE: GRANT FUNDED
DEPARTMENT: ADULT SERVICES
REPORTS TO: ADULT SERVICES CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
STATEMENT OF JOB: The Peer Support Specialist will work closely with the Adult Services Program Manager/Adult Services Clinical supervisor/Associate Director, Adult Services Department, WMAT Tribal Court, WMAT Prosecution, Police Department, Department of Corrections (DOC), and surrounding behavioral health providers to check in regularly with individuals with mental health services to adults with serious mental illness (SMI) or adolescents (17 1/2 years of age) with serious emotional disturbance (SED). Peer Support Specialist would also work on establishing Jail and Prison Re-Entry Program. This position coordinates appropriate services between the client, client support system, community, and other healthcare and social service professionals.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provides accurate documentation of all services provided including education and outreach efforts and takes responsibility to report these as required on a monthly and quarterly basis to the ABHS grant/data coordinator.
2. Participate in interdepartmental clinical teams to assist and advocate to assure SMI/SED clients receive timely and consistent provision of services.
3. Assist clients in need of special assistance in explaining program and completing applications.
4. Aid and/or assist clients in obtaining services to enhance/encourage independent living (ADLs, grocery shopping, paying bills, assist schedule appointments, etc.), Vocational rehab, and other rehabilitation services.
5. Provide individual skills and group Psycho-educational services and models/teach independent living skills.
6. Presents SMI benefits/services to ABHS staff, stakeholders, and community members. Bring education/awareness on SMI services.
7. Coordinate and work collaboratively with partnering organizations and community service providers.
8. Coordinates coverage of services for clients including counseling and case management advocacy with community partners.
9. Build and improve community relationships with partner agencies including but not limited to: Solari, ALTCS, Indian Health Services (IHS), WMAT Social Services.
10. Assists in related training/community events and speaking engagements to meet the needs of the program.
11. Serve as main point of contact for Jail/Prison re-entry program.
12. Documents contact with clients to assess needs, maintain required paperwork, and engage family members. Complete comprehensive assessments and assessment updates in
accordance with Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and ABHS Standards. Complete and update client treatment plans as needed
13. Verify and print Medifax confirmation information for intake process as needed.
14. Complete data entry in electronic health record and record all intake information for new clients.
15. Ability to address a variety of diverse spiritual, emotional, and social needs in multiple environments of an often-high-risk population, using a trauma-informed care approach while maintaining a high degree of professionalism and cultural awareness.
16. Abide by all applicable policies, procedures, and program standards of ABHS, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Indian Health Services, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and other pertinent regulatory authorities.
17. Maintain ethical policies and guidelines as outlined in accepted State ethics laws, rules, policies, and principles and as outlined in discipline-specific code of ethics.
18. Provide a positive role model to clients and staff through leadership, self-discipline, and genuine care for the treatment and recovery of clients. All clients and staff members must be treated with dignity and respect.
19. Participation in all required ABHS training.
20. Reports/attends work in a timely manner. Must be reliable and communicate directly with supervisor in all matters of attendance.
21. Meet as needed with Adult Services Program Manager/Adult Clinical Supervisor to discuss budget, programming, and other aspects of the SMI Services.
22. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. 21 years of age and possession of a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma. Preferred, 18 credit hours of post-high school education in a field related to behavioral health completed no more than four years before the date the individual begins providing behavioral health services and two years of full-time behavioral health work experience: or high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma and four years of full-time behavioral health work experience. Associates/Bachelor’s degree in mental health/human services or related field preferred; experience working with Native Americans preferred.
2. Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) certification or an individual who has lived experience of mental health conditions, substance use and/or other traumas resulting in emotional distress and significant life disruption, for which they have sought help or care; and can demonstrate their own efforts at self-directed recovery and expertise, including knowledge of approaches to support the recovery of others, and is willing to become PRSS certified.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to speak the Apache language preferred.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving and organizational and time management skills with ability to work independently, with flexibility within prescribed deadlines.
5. Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, teams, managers, supervisors.
6. Must have a working knowledge of the needs, strengths, and services in the tribal community.
7. MS Office proficiency and the ability to correctly operate a copier and fax machine.
8. Valid Arizona Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
9. Ability to pass all pre-employment testing, including, but not limited to, fingerprint clearance and background check.
**NOTE: Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian
Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Constant: standing. Frequent: repetitive use of hand, walking, standing, bending neck and waist, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting neck and waist, simple grasping of left and right hand, power grasping right and left hand, fine manipulation right and left hand, pushing and pulling right and left hand, reaching above shoulder level, reaching below shoulder level, lifting objects weighing up to 75 pounds from below the waist to a height of 3 feet.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The employment is considered “at will” and agree that employment can be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time at the option of either the employee or the company.