Peer Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Support Specialist provides direct care to patients with a combination of mental health support and basic living assistance to prevent the need for a more intrusive level of care. Services may be provided in the patient’s home, Prairie Ridge offices, or other community locations to support activities of daily living. This position delivers recovery-oriented, patient-centered services while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides direct care to patients with a combination of mental health and basic living support to prevent the need for a more intrusive level of care. Patient care will be provided at home or office or in other community locations to support activities of daily living.
2. Provides support and advocacy for an assigned group of patients.

1. Coordinates and monitors activities of daily living.
2. Supports patients with behavioral health symptom management.
3. Provides support for locating housing options, maintaining current housing arrangements, teaching or supporting using skills to maintain a clean home and advocating for member support with landlords/other tenants/etc.
4. Engages other staff members and/or their caretakers on alternatives to emergency or hospital care.
5. Participates in a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
6. Delivers crisis response as needed under the supervision of the Community Services Director.
7. Works cooperatively with referral agencies.
8. Helps patient with paperwork and entitlement applications.
9. Participates in patient-centered comprehensive assessment at admission and yearly after that, minimally.  Comprehensive assessment can be completed throughout the year if/when significant life changes occur.
10. Treat all individuals with dignity and respect while maintaining agency standards of confidentiality, professionalism and objectivity. 
11. Adhere to all confidentiality requirements and regulations as outlined in CARF policies and procedures.
12. Participate in Quality Improvement activities, including data collection, tracking, and analysis.
13. Maintain an active workload in accordance with minimum caseload requirements, clinical quality standards and quality management plan protocols.
14. Record and maintain documentation. Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
15. Develop additional programs/recovery groups to meet the needs of the patients. 
16. Adhere to all policies and procedures set forth by Prairie Ridge including all necessary paperwork requirements and deadlines.
17. All other duties as assigned by direct supervisor, direct line of authority and/or regulatory bodies.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
2. Actual lived experience accessing mental health services for self (required).
3. Knowledge of, and experience in working with adults with mental illness (required).
4. Peer Supports must participate in the Peer Support Specialist certification training within the first six months of employment.
5. WRAP trained or the ability and willingness to obtain WRAP training in the first available training post hire.
6. Understanding of the mission of Prairie Ridge and the patients we work with.
7. Proficiency in oral and written communication skills as well as record keeping.
8. Technology skills allowing for proficiency in the use of an electronic health record.
9. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is often required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance.
10. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
11. The employee must possess a valid driver’s license, liability insurance policy, and a reliable means of transportation.