CSC Peer Support Specialist (Coordinated Specialty Care)

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:

The Coordinated Specialty Care Peer Support Specialist role is held by someone who has first-hand experience with emotional and/or mental distress (often called “mental illness”) and who has actively engaged in a process of self-discovery and/or recovery related to those struggles. As an integrated member of the CSC treatment team, peer support services are designed to offer recovery oriented behavioral health services to adults who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis, with a goal of restoring cognitive functioning, strengthen natural supports, stabilizing psychiatric symptoms, and developing a clear path to recovery. These services may be provided to a person, 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. Peer Specialists form hope-based relationships that support learning and growing through challenge and crisis. This position is committed to meeting the individual where they are and providing services in the community and/or in the home as appropriate. It is imperative a Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) be active and stable in their recovery.  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.

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, identifying and overcoming fears and negative self-talk)
Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
Organize, plan, and facilitate, peer support groups
Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all individuals served
Look for growth opportunities in the system of care, and voice growth and development ideas to supervisor to continuously improve services provided through peer support.
Manage schedule to keep individuals served informed and updated on activities.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
Remains active and stable in one’s own recovery to model and demonstrate progress toward mental health goals.

Program Operational Functions:

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:

Maintains comprehensive documentation that meets or exceeds Department of State Health Services (DSHS) standards, and Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) standards
Utilizes Collaborative Documentation and 95% of all documentation entered within 24 hours
Coordinate and track referrals made to the CSC program.
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, including the completion of all required training.
Value and respect every individual’s recovery experience.
Engage individuals in the CSC program in the progression of person-centered recovery goals/objectives.
Provide face-to-face service hours to reach or exceed performance goals.
Schedule one-to-one appointments in the community or home.
Provide timely notice to individuals served and supervisor on changes made to any appointments.
Responsible for documenting and entering missed appointments.
A willingness to share your personal experience of mental health recovery is essential.

You’ll definitely need:

High School Diploma or GED
Certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist (preferred) (Will train, must be able to make satisfactory progress toward certification, and obtain certification within first year of employment.)
Must have personal lived experience with mental health challenges and a willingness to share your personal experience of recovery is essential.  As a model Peer Support provider, it is important remain active and stable in one’s own recovery.
Must be able to successfully complete PMAB and CPR training
Must meet or exceed performance expectation and attendance goals, before being accepted into the next level of certification along the MHPS training, supervision and certification process.
A valid Texas State Driver’s License.
Current automobile insurance and the ability to travel when necessary.
Transportation of individuals in services.
We’ll also want you to:

Identify gaps in processes and work closely with other departments for process improvement
Demonstrated ability to listen skillfully and collect relevant information
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Comfortable working with technology and can easily navigate new technology platforms
Efficiently move through a to-do list and effectively prioritize and triage competing demands
Passion for connecting individuals and families with excellent care
Can successfully work remote
Sustain a calm demeanor when under pressure to handle sometimes difficult situations.
Provide exemplary customer service and care to your team.
Work autonomously to complete assignments.
Work cooperatively with others and be punctual and consistent in attendance because your people will rely on you!
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.
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.
We can pay you:

$17.31 per hour and benefits plus good karma for doing good in the world.