PRYCRP Peer Support Specialist

At Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center our vision is to empower people, foster hope, support choice, and celebrate success.

**HILL COUNTRY MHDD CENTERS IS OFFERING A $2,000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR

ALL MENTAL HEALTH POSITIONS THAT ARE FULL-TIME, NEW HIRE EMPLOYEES**

Help us help others:

Under the direction of the Peer Run Youth Crisis Respite Program (PRYCRP) Director, the Peer Support Specialist provides individual and group peer support services to individuals admitted in the PRYCRP. Supports include assistance with more effectively utilizing the service delivery system, understanding and coping with stressors along with coaching, and mentoring of the individuals served through peer support. The position provides recovery-oriented peer services as part of a multi-disciplinary team to individuals enrolled in the Peer Run Youth Crisis Respite Program. Peer support services are designed to offer recovery oriented behavioral health services to individuals and aims to reduce mental health crises among youth aged 13-17 by extending the crisis respite care continuum to support youth and their families before the need escalates to overnight respite care developing a clear path to recovery. These services may be provided to a youth, or a group, and are aimed at assisting in the creation of skills to promote long-term, sustainable recovery. This position assists the team and individual to maximize and enhance individuals experience and choice, self-determination and decision-making in the planning and coordination of services. The Peer Specialist by definition is a person in recovery who will utilize her or his personal mental health recovery experience to instill a sense of hope and optimism for individuals facing mental health challenges. It is imperative a Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) be active and stable in their recovery.

PRYCRP aims to reduce mental health crises among youth aged 13-17 by extending the crisis respite care continuum to support youth and their families before the need escalates to overnight respite care. This program focuses on providing peer and family support, as well as access to essential resources for youth, their families, and supportive allies. It is a community-based initiative that includes peer support and family partner services. Additionally, the program aims to establish strong connections between the PRYCRP and various community-based organizations. These linkages are intended to enhance the support network within the community, thereby improving the overall health and well-being of the youth and their extended support networks.

Must complete and pre-qualify as a Peer Specialist as demonstrated in the completion of the self-assessment prior to being accepted for employment. Must pass and maintain certification requirements for MHPS Certification as outlined by internal and State specified requirements.

This position requires flexibility in schedule, non-traditional hours, weekend hours, some travel and availability for afterhours clinical/administrative consult.

You will get to:

Leadership:

Provide practical real-world support in coping with life’s day to day demands through modeling and coaching approaches to mental health recovery.
Promote the value of self-help, peer support and personal empowerment to foster recovery.
Coach individuals in positive skill-building techniques for improved life management (e.g., problem solving, coping skills, identifying and overcoming fears and negative self-talk).
Organize, plan, and facilitate peer support groups.
Manage schedule to keep individuals served informed and updated on activities.
Remains active and stable in one’s own recovery to model and demonstrate progress toward mental health goals.
Cultivate existing relationships with community partners and build new relationships ensuring sufficient resources, MOUs, and access to services.
Foster interagency collaboration and support to best address needs of youth and families in PRYCRP.
Build positive engagement and program awareness within the agency and community.
Represent HCMHDDC PRYCRP in learning opportunities and Technical Assistance calls as needed.
React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.

Professional Conduct:

Maintains healthy professional relationships co-workers and supervisors.
Effectively and professionally manages conflict.
Fosters positive workplace morale.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
Adheres to agency/program Dress Code.
Communicates effectively.
Complies with all HCMHDD Policies and Procedures.
Attendance and full participation in meetings, CQI’s, trainings and staff seminars as required.
Displays and adapts a teachable attitude and a willingness to learn.
Support the team and individuals served to maximize and enhance individuals experience, choice, self-determination and decision-making in the planning and coordination of services.
Promote and maintain an atmosphere of respect, interest and enthusiasm in the services provided.
Seek supervisor consultation to ensure fidelity to scope of practice and utilization of evidence-based approaches.

Program Operational Functions:

Adhere to program performance and delivery standards of PRYCRP.
Supports development, creation, and maintenance of youth peer council.
Facilitate or co-facilitate outreach and educational presentations, as required to expand and sustain the program in the community.
Maintain a knowledge of program goals and peer support model.
Interact positively and in cooperation with other members of the organization and team, including active participation in supervision activities, team meetings, continuing education, etc.
Maintains data tracking systems in an organized manner to comply with reporting and auditing requests in a timely fashion.
Complete all documentation and reporting requirements thoroughly and on time.
Work Behaviors:

Implements PRYCRP Peer Specialist services per contract guidelines and in fidelity with peer and family partner systems of care.
Collaborates with intra and inter-agency staff to ensure continuity of care for youth in services.
Conducts comprehensive intake/admission assessments.
Complete PRYCRP intakes and makes admission determinations with consultation of a Licensed Professional Counselor of the Healing Arts.
Submits all requisite paperwork to include timesheets, travel logs, service reports, and other required or requested documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
Maintains comprehensive documentation that meets or exceeds HHSC standards.
Utilizes Collaborative Documentation and 95% of all documentation entered within 24 hours.
Comply with HIPAA and Protected Health Information (PHI)/Personally Identifiable Information (PII) policies/rules/laws/regulations to ensure confidentiality of all client information.
Comply with all HCMHDDC policies, and procedures.
Ensures timely communication within the department and with other departments and agencies via written correspondence, email, telephones, and other means to ensure project follow through and completion.
Work in collaboration with internal and external CMH services and programs to ensure availability and continuity of care with PRYCRP.
Provide face-to-face service hours to reach or exceed service delivery measures.
Provide timely notice to individuals served, and supervisor, clinic director, and other necessary team members on changes to group schedules, appointments, etc.
Maintains a Peer List (Caseload) on spreadsheet provided by Director of PRYCRP.
A willingness to share your personal experience of mental health recovery.
Develop meaningful, innovative, and impactful group engagement activities, based on the needs of the individuals of the group; with a “Whole Health” approach.

You’ll definitely need:

Current enrollment and pursuit of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human services – preferred
High school diploma/GED – required.
A valid Texas State Driver’s License.
Current automobile insurance and the ability to travel when necessary.
We’ll also want you to:

Performs other duties as required to meet program and departmental goals and objectives.
Must be able to successfully complete PMAB and CPR training.
Requires flexibility in schedule (evenings or weekends) and travel.

We’re excited to provide:

PPO health insurance plan with option to add dependents.
PPO dental plans and vision insurance options for healthy teeth and eyes.
Employer paid life insurance.
401(a) plan, employer matches your contributions dollar for dollar up to 8% of your salary. You are 100% vested after 3 years of service.
457/403(b) plan, employees are immediately eligible to contribute pre-tax earnings for to the plan for retirement.
Generous paid time off for fun and vacations and paid sick time for when you’re under the weather.
Authentic and caring environment where folks care about each other and want to do good in the world.
We can pay you:

$17.30 – $20.05 per hour with benefits plus good karma for doing good in the world.