Peer Support Specialist – JBCR Program

Peer Support Specialist – JBCR Program, Houston
General Information
Job Title:
Peer Support Specialist – JBCR Program
Location:
1200 Baker St
Houston, TX, 77002
United States
Employee Type:
Full-time
Job Category:
Direct Care
Industry:
Health Care
Minimum Experience:
1 Year
Required Degree:
High school
Manage Others:
No
Description
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) is looking for a Peer Support Specialist to join our team. Under the general supervision of the JBCR Program Manager, this position supports all treatment team members in providing Competency & TIMA educational services to peers within the JBCR Program. Support includes developing and maintaining peer programs, consumer lead group discussion meetings, and other consumer-to-consumer initiatives that build resiliency, develop, and enhance consumer skills. Other duties include working with peers to help assess needs, provide support, and facilitate referrals to community social services and agency resources. This position will be required to provide services in the Harris County Jail. 

What you will do:

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 medical director, 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.
Makes use of Competency & TIMA education materials and is knowledgeable in their use.
Develops, coordinates and implements the provision of peer group meetings and consumer-to consumer discussion groups that will enhance consumer’s 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.
Complies with agency policies and procedures, accrediting/regulatory bodies and performance contract documentation requirements.
What qualifications you will need:

High School Diploma or GED
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related behavioral field plus two (2) years work experience in the mental health field preferred.
Texas Identification
Two (2) years work experience in the mental health field preferred. Must either be in active mental health treatment for or have a treatment history of one of the severe and persistent mental illnesses, and be willing to provide consent for confirmation of current or history of mental illness.
Basic understanding of mental illness, common signs and symptoms and able to identify difficulties with coping in community settings.
Strong communication skills, listening and interpersonal skills above average, written documentation is clear, concise, well- constructed and grammatically correct.
Able to work collaboratively with others in a teamwork environment.
Effective time management and organizational skills.
Able to execute standard word processing software on the computer.
Able to be an approved driver through agency insurance.
Able to be approved to enter Harris County Jail facilities.
What we have to offer:

The HARRIS CENTER offers competitive salary, excellent benefits package, retirement plans with company matching, prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual, outstanding wellness programs and professional development.   

Employees can also take advantage of business casual dress code, corporate discounts, and gym memberships.  New hire referral bonus, discounts are also available on an optional basis. These include mobile phone service, fitness centers and other wellness amenities. 

What else you should know:

#62085

This position is located at 1200 Baker St. Houston, TX 77002.

Shift: Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm.

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas.  As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The HARRIS CENTER provided care to over 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 42 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,300 employees, The HARRIS CENTER is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.
Additional Information
Shift Schedule:
Day
Pay Type:
Non-exempt/Hourly
Requisition ID:
1862552485