Help us help others:

Under the direction of the Director of Peer Support Services, the Peer Support Specialist provides individual and group peer support services to individuals in need of behavioral health supports. Supports include assistance with more effectively utilizing the service delivery system, understanding and coping with stressors along with coaching, and mentoring of the individuals served through peer support. The position provides recovery-oriented peer services as part of a multi-disciplinary team to individuals enrolled in Hill Country MHDD behavioral health services programs. Peer support services are designed to offer recovery oriented behavioral health services to individuals, 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. This position is committed to meeting the individual where they are and providing services in the community, at place of employment, and home as appropriate. The Peer Specialist by definition is a person in recovery who will utilize her or his personal mental health recovery experience to instill a sense of hope and optimism for individuals facing mental health challenges. It is imperative that 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 a 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
• Person Centered Recovery Planning/Treatment Plan is developed in collaboration with the treatment team/individual/family served and any other person or provider requested by the individual /family within 10 days of admission
• Coordinate discharge plans, track referrals, and provide follow-up on individuals who are released from the 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
• Ensures timely communication within the department and with other departments and agencies via written correspondence, email, telephones and other means to ensure project follow through and completion
• Value and respect every individual's recovery experience
• Engage individuals in services 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. This may include home visits
• Must be eager to promote the peer support program. This included engaging individuals in existing services or new to services into the peer support program; this may include introductory calls (cold calls), greeting individuals waiting for services (in waiting areas), presenting information in a public setting, etc.
• Provide timely notice to individuals served, and supervisor, clinic director, and other necessary team members on changes to group schedules, appointments, etc.
• Maintains staff kept an appointment rate of 90% and a client missed appointment rate of 25% or below.
• Responsible for documenting and entering missed appointments.
• A valid driver's license, and insurance is required as routine driving and/or transportation is required.
• A willingness to share your personal experience of mental health recovery is essential.
• Develop meaningful, innovative and impactful group engagement activities, based on the needs of the individuals of the group; with a "Whole Health" approach

You'll definitely need:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Have personal experience with mental health challenges and recovery and demonstrate resilience and stability in your own journey.
• Become certified as Mental Health Peer Support Specialist
• A valid Texas State Driver's License.
• Current automobile insurance and the ability to travel.

We'll also want you to:

• Performs other duties as required to meet program and departmental goals and objectives
• Must be able to successfully complete and maintain PMAB and CPR training certification

We're excited to provide:

• PPO health insurance plan with 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 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 and want to do good in the world.

We can pay you:

$15.52 per hour and benefits plus good karma for doing good in the world.