Peer Support Specialist-Assertive Community Treatment

UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge, IA

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Fort Dodge, IA

Hospitals

About the position

The Peer Support Specialist in the ACT Program at Berryhill Center UnityPoint Health is responsible for providing support and coordination for individuals with severe and persistent behavioral health needs. This full-time role involves crisis assessment, documentation of patient progress, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive care. The position emphasizes the importance of lived experience in recovery and aims to advocate for patients' rights and preferences while promoting their overall well-being.

Responsibilities

• Be accessible by telephone and prepared to respond to calls during all scheduled shifts.
• Perform shift management in coordination with other ACT staff according to established policy and procedures.
• Document patient progress to maintain a permanent record of activity according to established methods and procedures in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with other mental health practitioners, case managers, law enforcement officers, school personnel, hospital personnel, and other interested parties.
• Provide crisis assessment and take necessary time with clients to determine the course of action.
• Complete a thorough safety plan with clients if applicable.
• Function as a practicing clinician on the team and provide service coordination.
• Coordinate and monitor activities of daily living.
• Provide transportation when needed and purposeful.
• Support patients with behavioral health symptom management.
• Advocate for patients' rights and preferences.
• Work cooperatively with referral agencies.
• Help patients with paperwork and entitlement applications.
• Document contact with patients in EPIC.

Requirements

• Associates degree in Social Work, Human Services, or another Human Service-related field.
• Experience providing service to individuals with severe and persistent behavioral health needs.
• Lived experience and in a state of recovery with one's own mental health diagnosis.
• Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
• Peer Support Training and competency exam within 6 months of hire.
• Must be 21 years of age to qualify for Peer Support training.

Nice-to-haves

• Peer Support Certification
• Family Peer Support Certification

Benefits

• 401K match
• Paid time off
• Education assistance