Mental Health and Addiction Peer Support Specialist

$40,498 - $79,206/Yr

UnitedHealth Group

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite

Insurance Carriers and Related Activities

About the position

The Mental Health and Addiction Peer Support Specialist role at Optum involves utilizing personal recovery experiences to assist individuals and families in defining their recovery goals and developing necessary skills. This position focuses on supporting consumers with co-occurring disorders, facilitating training programs, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance mental health services and promote recovery and resiliency within the community.

Responsibilities

• Use personal recovery experience to assist families and consumers in defining their recovery goals.
• Support the creation and implementation of training programs for peers, families, providers, and staff.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with consumer and family organizations.
• Communicate plan information and clinical policies to consumers and family organizations.
• Identify and outreach to community leaders to develop culturally competent recovery programs.
• Serve as a designated member of internal subcommittees as directed.
• Participate in quality review processes for Optum and Health Plan.
• Communicate effectively with consumers and families about the mental healthcare delivery system.
• Provide support to consumers or family members in making appointments as needed.
• Work with clinical teams to implement enhanced care coordination and develop WRAP and crisis plans.
• Provide direct support to consumers being discharged from 24-hour care or refer them to support groups.
• Assist consumers and family members with grievance processes.
• Collaborate with care managers and community agencies to facilitate access to services.
• Respond to concerns and questions from consumers and families.
• Participate in treatment planning with consumers and families who request support.
• Advocate on behalf of consumers and families.
• Recruit and support consumers and family members in operational initiatives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• Active and current Peer Support Specialist State Certification
• 1+ years of working knowledge of community resources
• Demonstrated understanding of recovery and resiliency principles
• Proven ability to facilitate training events
• Reliable transportation with a current driver's license and state-required insurance.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field; or registered Psychiatric Nurse
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Equity stock purchase
• 401k contribution