Certified Peer Support Specialist

Purpose of Position:

Provide peer support services to people served by the agency. Peer support services are provided through one on one and group peer support meetings.

Functions:

Support Services

• Ensure that services are delivered in accordance with fidelity peer support model ethics and values.
• Assisting people served by providing assistance with:
  • wellness self-management
  • personal recovery
  • natural support
  • coping skills
  • self-advocacy skills and development of independent living skills for housing, employment, and full community inclusion
• Actively facilitate successful peer support meetings and wellness classes at the office or in the community, as assigned.
• Provide psychoeducation and training of family, unpaid caregivers, and others who have a legitimate role in addressing the needs identified in the Person-Centered Plan
• Provide input into the persons served Person Centered Plan modifications.
• Support the people served in understanding and exercising their rights.
• Attend and participate in treatment team meetings, audits, and committees as requested.

Documentation

• Service notes
  • Complete all service documentation including but not limited to the following: service notes, incident reports, etc. on the appropriate form and in a thorough and timely manner, as required by State, Federal, rules, statutes, Agency policy and procedure, and Agency service operation manuals.
  • Submit service notes to the appropriate supervisor.
• Time sheets
  • Accurately and legibly complete timesheets, reflecting the amount of time spent in service provision.

Quality Assurance and Improvement

• Assure that service documentation is clearly written, reflects the specific goals and symptoms to be addressed, pursuant to the PCP, and is signed.
• Assure that timesheets and mileage reimbursement forms are accurate, clearly written, and turned in at the designated times.
• Assure that staff vehicle is safe and in good working order, as applicable.
• Provide direct supervisor and support team with ideas/suggestions of how service provision can be improved.

Qualifications:

Education

• Must meet Qualified, Associate or Paraprofessional Status as defined by 10A NCAC 27G.0104
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be certified or working against certification as a peer supporter by UNC-CH.

Experience

• Paid experience working with the population served is preferred but not required for peer support staff.

Other Qualifications:

• Lived personal experience with mental health issues or substance abuse, have been managing their own recovery and who are willing to bring that experience to their role.
• Demonstrate knowledge of advocacy, self-help, and empowerment programs for recipients of mental health services and the ability to convey a message of hope and recovery for people with mental illness and substance abuse.

Training

• Must complete agency defined trainings

Additional Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License, reliable automobile with proof of current liability insurance, acceptable driving record, current vehicle registration and inspection, current TB test, and a clean criminal record.
• Basic mathematical skills
• Ability to read, write and understand the language of the person served and read and write in English.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Reliable transportation

Performance Expectations:

• Maintain a professional demeanor and image in all situations, including but not limited to person served and staff relationships, verbal communications, and attire (please see Employee Handbook)
• Serve as a role model by consistently conducting him/herself professionally and ethically in all situations, including but not limited to promptness in completing assignments, verbal/non-verbal communications, maintaining professional boundaries, representing the Agency with a professional image, complying with Federal Anti-Kickback Laws, and not engaging in or coercing others to engage in any fraudulent behavior.
• Maintain therapeutic boundaries with consumers, families, and guardians.
• Be familiar with HIPPA regarding the confidentiality of information specific to persons served.
• Have an understanding of Client Rights
• Have an understanding of person-served abuse, neglect, and exploitation rules
• Develop and consistently demonstrate an understanding of the people who served their likes, dislikes, behaviors, desired life outcomes, visions for the future, and their PCPs
• Have or develop a basic understanding of mental health-related symptomology
• Have or develop an understanding of the medications that the persons served may be taking, their purpose, and side effects
• Have or develop a working knowledge of therapeutic interventions to assist people served in effectively monitoring and dealing with their emotions and behaviors
• Consistently practice appropriate service records documentation, pursuant to State, Federal, and Agency Policies and Procedures
• Provide support services as scheduled, showing up on time and working on person-centered goals for the duration of the time allotted
• Serve as a valued member of a person-focused team to support the individuals we serve
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and people served
• Express ideas clearly, both verbally and written
• Ability to plan and execute work effectively
• Be aware of expiration dates and maintain current training and recertification requirements.
• Attend and participate in all team meetings, committees, and audits as requested.

Accuracy Required in Work and Consequence of Error: The Peer Supporter is responsible for delivering effective services to each consumer his/her caseload. The quality of the service provided has the potential to affect the health and safety of consumers and staff. This position has a fiduciary responsibility to the Agency including but not limited to billing, in which errors could result in significant funding infractions for the agency.

Supervision and Training Provided to Employee: The local office will provide initial training, while on-going training and supervision is provided on-going by the supervisor. A supervision plan will be developed for the employee specifying training and other development activities required in the position. The employee must meet the requirements of the supervision plan.

Physical Effort: A variety of physical activities are necessary for this position depending upon the needs of the customers of the agency. Travel within the community is required. From time to time