JBCR Peer Support Specialist (Hays County)

Help us help others:

Under the general direction of the JBCR Supervisor, this part-time position will meet with individuals in the competency restoration program, which is housed in the Hays County jail. This position will lead groups and meet with individuals in a supportive manner, sharing lived experiences and helping with goal development, community reintegration, skill development, and competency restoration.

You will get to:

• Engages in face-to-face contact with peers to help assess their needs, provide peer support, education, and help facilitate referrals to social services.
• Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintains open communication with the program/unit director and other professional staff.
• Works collaboratively with trainers and clinical staff to enhance the overall quality of clinical care and incorporate peer groups into the clinical care of the consumers.
• Make use of Competency education materials and be knowledgeable in their use.
• Develops, coordinates, and implements the provision of peer group meetings and consumer-to-consumer discussion groups that will enhance consumers’ ability to better manage their needs.
• Provides peers and their families with information on community and Agency resources.
• Encourages peers to attend consumer meetings/support groups and supports their efforts to develop empowerment skills through self-advocacy.
• Advocates for peers to ensure that needs are met both within the Agency and the community.
• Demonstrates professional conduct in all work behavior.
• Comply with agency policies and procedures, accrediting/regulatory bodies, and performance contract documentation requirements.
• Integrates principles of substance abuse recovery as appropriate.

Candidates must be willing and able to:

• A Current Certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist is Preferred or Recovery Support Peer Specialist, but not required **
• Share their recovery story with incoming and current clientele as a way of inspiring HOPE that people can and do recover from the life disruptions often associated with mental health challenges.
• Provide practical, real-world support in coping with life’s day-to-day demands through modeling and
  Hill Country MHDD Centers will pay for the Mental Health Peer Specialist certification training ($900) for a candidate who comes to the table with a working knowledge of what peer support is and is not.
• A qualified candidate will recognize Peer Support as a profession as well as an ongoing effort to promote change within the system of care by advocating for person-centered care and honoring the voice and choice of service participants.

You’ll definitely need:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred but not required.
• A valid Texas State Driver’s License.
• Current automobile insurance and the ability to travel when necessary.

We’ll also want you to:

• To be far enough along in your own recovery journey to walk alongside others on their journey.
• Computer skills to utilize our Electronic Health Record to submit timely and accurate documentation.
• Employ excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage and report effectively.
• Maintain a well-organized schedule while allowing room for flexibility and adjustments with up to 25% travel.
• Maintain accurate and timely collaborative documentation with adherence to HIPAA regulations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and collaborate with youth and families served to develop treatment planning.
• Adapt approach to meet all types of communication styles and personalities while effectively implementing solutions that work.
• Employ excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage, instruct, and manage teams and collaborate with individuals and families.
• Review team documentation.
• Sustain a calm demeanor when under pressure to handle sometimes difficult situations.
• Provide exemplary customer service and care to individuals with their best interests at heart.
• Work autonomously to complete assignments within community and HHSC standards with a high level of quality.
• Work cooperatively with others and be punctual and consistent in attendance because your people will rely on you.
• Other duties as assigned.

We’re excited to provide:

• PPO health insurance plan with the option to add dependents.
• PPO dental plan and vision insurance options for healthy teeth and eyes.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• 401(a) plan, employer matches your contributions dollar for dollar for 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 to the plan for retirement.
• Generous paid time off for fun and vacations, and paid sick time for when you’re under the weather.
• An authentic and caring environment where folks care about each other and want to do good in the world.

We can pay you:
$20.00 per hour