Part-time Mental Health Peer Support Specialist – Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)

Must apply directly at:
https://gulfcoastcenter.e3applicants.com/careers/PartTime-Certified-Peer-Specialist–Mental-Health-Coordinated-Specialty-Care-CSC-697

Are you seeking a career where you can make a difference? Gulf Coast Center (GCC) recruits people who are committed to compassionate, person-centered service.
Join our team today!

Benefits:
INCREASED PAY as of 12/1/23.
5% Salary increase upon 90 days in role.
Starting rate of pay based on experience doing a similar role.
Career Ladder

GULF COAST CENTER – JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Certified Peer Specialist – Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)
Location: Serves Brazoria and Galveston County, Texas. Must be available to work in person
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Working Status: Part-Time, no Benefits

Required Licensure/Certifications:
Certified Peer Specialist certification.
If a candidate do not hold a current CPS credential, they may still be considered for employment provisionally, provided they earn their CPS within one year of hire for the position.
Must obtain continuing education credits for the CPS certification

Required Experience:
Must have at least 2 years of personal recovery from your own Mental Health Diagnosis.
Must be experienced with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Experience in the use of coaching skills associated with Motivational Interviewing.
Experienced with identifying and providing resources and referrals.
Working knowledge of client/community resources and experience in developing relationships with same.
Knowledgeable of the natural diverse populations and cultural backgrounds, including different approaches to recovery.

Summary:
The Peer Support Specialist provides peer support services as a member of the Coordinated Specialty Care Team; serves as a consumer advocate; provides consumer information and peer support for consumers in a variety of settings. The Peer Support Specialist performs a wide range of tasks to support consumers in living their own lives and directing their own recovery and wellness process. The Peer Support Specialist will model competency in recovery and wellness.

Gulf Coast Center is committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Gulf Coast Center defines diversity broadly including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and age. Gulf Coast Center embraces trauma-sensitive and informed practices, provides suicide safer care, and fosters a safe and compassionate environment that promotes racial and health equity.

Job Duties: (To be performed with or without accommodation as based on ADA requirements)

The Certified Peer Specialist will be responsible for the following essential Job Duties:
Facilitate weekly peer support groups to promote the importance of recovery support systems within the community and as part of the treatment program.
Engage with community partners or additional community referral sources
Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery by supporting clients in identifying and creating goals and providing support and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
Assists clients in formulating a Wellness Plan that identifies the eight dimensions of wellness: spiritual, emotional, physical, occupational, financial, environmental, intellectual, and social that can assist the client in achieving their recovery goals
Provide support to the clients within the outpatient setting, identifying needs and meeting with clients as scheduled.
Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster, develop, and continue our community partnerships as they relate to the position.
The Peer Support Specialist may work with group members to create a personal recovery plan which is instrumental during their recovery process.
The Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for entering all individual and group client documentation in Smart Care within 2 business days from the date of service.
Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster, develop, and continue our community partnerships as they relate to the position.
Treat all individuals with the utmost courtesy, decency, and respect.
Maintain CEUs required for CFP certification.
Provide responsive, and efficient services.
Interact with staff, consumers, local entities, and advocacy groups to provide a service that meets local needs.
Provide the highest level of Customer Service for both internal and external customers.
Required to report personal leave; flex time and emergency leave to assigned supervisor.
Strict adherence to the professional, ethical, and legal requirements set forth in GCC’s Business Code of Conduct as well as the Corporate Compliance Plan.
Consistent adherence to the Center’s Dress Code.
Consistent adherence to Center safety guidelines and expectations.
Will require travel within Brazoria and Galveston Counties.
Out-of-region travel may be required to attend training.
Must maintain a clean driving record and driver’s license in accordance with our Driver Policy.
Requires current Texas Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and must maintain current auto liability insurance.

Supervision:
Receives direct supervision from Program Manager-ACT

Required Education:
High School or GED completion

Preferred Licensure/Certifications:
Certified as a Mental Health Peer Specialist
Have attended and completed training through Via Hope.

Preferred Experience:
Preferred experience with electronic records system(s)

Abilities/Traits:
General knowledge of substance use and mental illness;
Demonstrate knowledge of substance use and treatment procedures
Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support individual clients in self-directed recovery;
Must be able to work independently and organize work effectively using time management tools;
Possess knowledge of local community resources and network with agencies to ensure appropriate referrals as needed for client continuity of care.
Must be able to be non-judgmental of clients, develop productive relationships with the diverse client population; and have good interpersonal communication and teaching skills with the diverse client population;
Must be able to make sound decisions within the parameters of the scope of practice as a peer support specialist.
Knowledge of the social service network.
Innovative thinker who is positive, proactive, and readily embraces change.
Ability to handle clients professionally during all interactions.
Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Requires ability to work within a team approach.
Requires proficiency with computer skills, programs, and email.

Working Conditions:
Work will be performed in the Office and/or Field settings.
May require varied work hours depending on the needs of clients.
Out-of-region travel may be required to attend training.
Will require travel to various locations within Brazoria and Galveston Counties.
Requires current Texas Driver’s License, reliable transportation safe and current with all state requirements, and liability insurance.
Travel may be required to other peer group sites for this position. Internal training will be provided on an ongoing basis. External training can occur approximately once per quarter.

Special Projects:
Assist supervisor when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a time frame negotiated with the supervisor. Completion of other duties as assigned by supervisor as it relates to the program and position.

Job Related Physical/Mental Requirements & Environmental Conditions:

Physical:
Ability to transport, adjust, and/or move items up to 55 lbs.
Ability to ascend/descend stairs.
Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
Ability to handle objects.
Ability to operate office equipment.
Ability to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as needed; may include the ability to bend/twist, kneel/stoop, and/or reach for items.
Ability to push/pull, crawl/squat as it relates to PMAB requirements; may be required to perform PMAB restraints as it relates to program requirements.
Ability to detect and write effectively.
Ability to hear (with or without aid).
Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting.

Mental:
Ability to accept constructive criticism.
Ability to maintain regular attendance.
Ability to understand, communicate, and comprehend accurate information with others in English.
Ability to reason and analyze effectively.
Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to position.
Required to pass and maintain all Center mandated training.

Work Site/Environmental Conditions:
Ability to work alone.
Ability to work closely with others.
Ability to work closely with clients and/or family members with poor hygiene. Ability to work long and/or irregular hours.
May be subjected to a hostile environment.
May be subjected to a high crime environment.
Potential exposure to tobacco products.
May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
Subject to standard noise levels within the working environment.
Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane may be required.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodations based on ADA requirements.