Peer Support Specialist

Job Details

Job LocationPlano, TX
Position TypeFull Time
Education LevelHigh School
Salary Range$30,740.00 – $36,040.00 Salary/year

Description
The Peer Support Specialist for this position will serve individuals with behavioral health needs. In addition, information will be gathered, and eligibility established for various community resources. Frequent travel to individual’s homes, community settings, nursing facilities and hospitals in Collin County is required for this position. This position will require ability to work outside of normal business hours to provide the full array of behavioral health services and meet program needs. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

This Peer Support Specialist exemplifies service excellence by providing peer support, skills training, and psychosocial rehabilitation services with a trauma-informed and person-centered approach. Engagement with individuals served and exceptional customer service will be provided and documented in the electronic health record a minimum of 80 hours per month.  Work quality and internal/external fidelity audits are expected to average at or above 90%.

This Peer Support Specialist practices good stewardship of resources by ensuring all required trainings are completed prior to due date and center-issued equipment is kept in good repair.  Provides person directed peer support to assist in navigating access to medical, social, vocational, financial, educational, and other individualized services.

Integrity is necessary to ensure adherence to the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Administrative Code, contracts, grants, and Lifepath Systems policies and procedures.  Documentation which meets fidelity standards and documented into the electronic health record within 2 business days at a rate of 90% or above is expected.

This Peer Support Specialist builds positive relationships with community-facing agencies and always maintains a professional relationship with all community stakeholders and partners.  Professional conduct with Peers, Leadership and Support teams is expected at all times.  Promoting choice and autonomy through a strength-based model is necessary to assist individuals served with improving access to social determinants of health.

Working independently and collaboratively to maintain appropriate boundaries and foster better outcomes for individuals served and community partners; to facilitate improvement in measurable ways, is central to LifePath Systems mission to serve. Ability to assess and de-escalate behavioral health crisis situations in calm and respectful manner.

If Bilingual and receiving stipend, employee will be available to translate for other staff as needed and will utilize approved language in the provision of services as needed.

Qualifications

Must have either 1) a High School Diploma; OR 2) a High School Equivalency Certificate (GED) issued in accordance with the law of the issuing state.
Additionally, must have at least one cumulative year of receiving mental health community services with a primary diagnosis of mental illness and/or substance used disorder.
Must demonstrate, at minimum, one-year active recovery and/or sobriety.
Must be eligible and successfully become a Certified Peer Specialist 12 months of employment.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge and experience in providing case management, skills training, and symptom management services to individuals with mental illness.
Ability to assess individual needs, to coordinate services, and to communicate effectively.
Knowledge of the social services system and the ability to connect individuals with appropriate services.
Ability to write clearly and professionally.
Ability to think clearly and logically to deal with potentially dangerous and/or emotional situations.