Per diem Peer Support Specialist

Overview

We are seeking Adult Peer Support Specialists to provide telephone-based peer support as part of Supporting Older Adults Remotely (SOAR), a structured peer support program for older adults living with serious mental health conditions. This is a remote position. There may be opportunities to travel for study training, meetings, community activities, or other project-related activities. We are specifically seeking individuals who bring their own lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery to their work with older adults. Applicants should hold a peer support certification or be currently working toward peer support certification. Peer Support Specialists will be trained to deliver SOAR, a structured program designed specifically for older adults. Support will be provided by telephone, allowing Peer Support Specialists to work with participants remotely. The position combines structured intervention delivery with the core principles of peer support, including shared lived experience, mutuality, hope, recovery, self-determination, and support for participants' individual goals.

Responsibilities

• Meets with patients or residents, using training and shared experience to engage patients and inform them about opportunities for support.
• Educates patients, residents and caregivers about mental health services and supports and assists with connecting with those services as directed by the clinical team.
• Meet with facilitators of therapeutic groups to help with planning; attend groups to model appropriate participation and assist with co-facilitation as directed by clinical staff.
• Engages with children and adolescents one-on-one.
• Works with the team to support patients or residents post-discharge by helping to navigate the transition to a different setting.
• Assist individuals to identify and develop natural community supports to foster independence and community integration, including social determinants of health.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with local community service providers.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with treatment teams to facilitate alignment of clinical care.
• Maintains professional boundaries at all times, accurately represents the role of peer support specialist, and encourages patients to seek clinical and/or medical advice from their appropriate provider.
• Attends meetings and/or trainings as required or encouraged by departmental leaders.
• Documents program measures and outcomes in patient's medical record or as otherwise required by the program.
• Abides by HIPAA, 42 CFR, and any additional regulations set forth by the organization.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Qualifications

• Completion of Certified Peer Support Specialist training within 12 months of hire.
• Experience relating to individuals with trauma needed; empathic and non-judgmental approach essential.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Has access to dependable transportation; vehicle and license highly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, listening, and customer service skills.
• Ability to develop professional working relationships with community partners and organizations.
• Developed problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook. Medical record documentation experience a plus.
• Experience with doing both formal and informal presentations.

Required Licensure/Certifications

• None.