PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST (Community Mental Health) - Control No.: 2406-5130-1781-0015

$36,315 - $54,527/Yr

Genealogical Society Of Washtenaw County Mi - Ann Arbor, MI

Full-time

Ann Arbor, MI

About the position

The Peer Support Specialist plays a crucial role in providing peer support services and consumer advocacy under the supervision of a qualified professional Health Services Supervisor. This position is designed for individuals who are self-identified as being in recovery, allowing them to assist others in regaining control over their lives and their recovery processes. The Peer Support Specialist will work directly with individuals facing mental illness, developmental disabilities, co-occurring disorders, and those involved in the criminal justice system. Their responsibilities include assisting qualified mental health clinicians in clinical assessments, developing and maintaining Person Centered Plans of Service, coordinating and monitoring consumer services, and directly helping consumers achieve their desired outcomes while documenting their progress. Additionally, the Peer Support Specialist will deliver evidence-based practice interventions under the guidance of a qualified mental health clinician. The role requires fostering recovery, self-determination, and improved quality of life for consumers. This includes providing direct support, coordinating care with a consumer's network, and using personal recovery experiences to enhance the clinical team's decision-making. The Peer Support Specialist will promote recovery by role modeling, sharing experiences, and connecting consumers to community resources. They will assist consumers in identifying recovery goals, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and developing critical life skills. Furthermore, the Peer Support Specialist will engage in systems advocacy to secure necessary services and provide education about mental illness and consumer rights, all while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA requirements. In addition to these responsibilities, the Peer Support Specialist will participate in organizational development by aligning with the organization's mission and goals, engaging in continuing education, and representing the agency in the community. The position may require additional duties as assigned by the Health Services Supervisor, depending on program needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to consumers with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Coordinate and collaborate with a consumer’s network of care, including primary healthcare, family, and natural supports.
• Use personal recovery experiences to assist and support the team and clients.
• Enhance clinical team decision-making by ensuring consumer voice and choice is included in planning.
• Promote recovery through role modeling and sharing experiences, providing hope and encouragement, and connecting consumers to the community.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of client service plans.
• Assist consumers in identifying recovery goals and setting objectives.
• Accompany staff on outreach to engage individuals and build trusting relationships that lead to treatment and recovery.
• Utilize specific interventions to assist consumers in meeting their recovery goals.
• Help consumers resolve interpersonal conflicts in their environment.
• Teach skills needed to increase independence in work, safety, social skills, housing, and benefits.
• Encourage consumers to aspire to roles that emphasize their strengths by sharing first-hand recovery experiences.
• Assist consumers with the development of critical life skills.
• Provide supportive counseling to consumers.
• Assist in systems advocacy to secure needed services for clients from any service provider.
• Provide education regarding mental illness and the stigma associated with it.
• Educate consumers about their rights and navigating the mental health system.
• Maintain consumer confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA requirements.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner consistent with agency guidelines.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness in service delivery.
• Foster and promote the organization’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Participate in continuing education activities to enhance services.

Requirements

• Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Completion of the State of Michigan Peer Support Specialist training and Certification process within six months of hire is required.
• Experience accessing the public mental health system as a consumer is preferred.
• Knowledge of the Michigan Mental Health Code, including Recipient Rights and Confidentiality provisions.
• Understanding of common developmental disorders and multiple diagnoses, including chronic mental illness and substance abuse.
• Familiarity with recovery-based treatment and peer support principles.
• Skills in working as a team member and performing effectively under stress.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, make sound judgments, and decisions.
• Proficiency in operating standard office equipment, including computers, fax machines, and photocopiers.
• Ability to interact professionally with community members.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in committee work and public presentation is preferred.
• Knowledge of the recovery model is preferred.