Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionThis is a part-time position starting at 20 hrs/wk

TITLE OF POSITION: Peer Support Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS: The Certified Peer Support Specialist (substance use disorder) must meet the defined Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Behavioral Health requirements for substance use disorder, be employed by a licensed or certified Substance Use Disorder provider; meet age, training, and supervision requirements, and self-identify as active in stable recovery from alcohol and/or illicit substance use for at least one year. If employed in the same agency in which the individual received services, the Certified Peer Mentor must have completed services at that agency for a minimum of six months. Must pass KBI, DCF child & adult abuse registry, motor vehicle screen, and background checks. Must have reliable and insured transportation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
2. Respectful, supportive, and empathic ability to understand and work with the mentally ill.
3. Team player and supportive working relationships with coworkers and community partners.
4. Collaborate effectively with consumer's natural and community resources.
5. Proficient with computers and word processing.
6. Ability to work independently in the community.
7. Strong organization skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Member and Family Support: Member and family support involves identifying supports needed for members, family/support persons/guardians need to manage member’s conditions and assisting them to access these supports. It includes assessing strengths and needs of members, family/support persons/guardians, identifying barriers to member’s highest level of health and success, locating resources to eliminate these barriers, and advocating on behalf of members, family/support persons/ guardians, to ensure that they have supports necessary for improved health. Included in this service is assistance to complete paperwork, provision of information and assistance to access self-help and peer support services, and consideration of the family/support persons/guardians need for services such as respite care. To promote inclusion, consideration is given to accommodating work schedules of families, providing flexibility in terms of hours of service, and teleconferencing. The goal of providing member and family support is to increase member’s, family/support persons and guardians understanding of effect(s) of the condition on the member’s life, and improve adherence to an agreed upon treatment plan, with the goal of improved overall health and quality of life.
   1. Is contingent on effective communication with member, family, guardian, other support persons, or caregivers.

1. Involves accommodations related to culture, disability, language, race, socio- economic background, and non-traditional family relationships.
   1. Promotes engagement of members, family/support persons and guardians.
   2. Promotes self-management capabilities of members.
   3. Involves ability to determine when members, families/support persons, and guardians are ready to receive and act upon information provided and assist them with making informed choices.
   4. Involves an awareness of complexities of family dynamics, and an ability to respond to member needs when complex relationships come into play.

1. Community Support: Referral to community supports and services includes determining the services needed for the member to achieve the most successful outcome(s), identifying available resources in the community, assisting the member in advocating for access to care, assisting in the completion of paper work, identifying natural supports if services providers are unavailable in the member’s community, following through until the member has access to needed services, and considering the family/support persons/guardian preferences when possible. Community supports and services include long-term care, mental health and substance use services, housing, transportation, and other community and social services needed by the member.
   1. A thorough knowledge of the medical and non-medical service delivery system within and outside of the member’s area.
   2. Engagement with community and social supports.
   3. Establishing and maintaining relationships with community services providers, e.g., Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)providers, the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), faith-based organizations, etc.
   4. Fostering communication and collaborating with social supports.
   5. Knowledge of the eligibility criteria for services.
   6. Identifying sources for comprehensive resource guides, or development of a comprehensive.

1. Direct Service Expectations: This position has a minimum service credit expectation and will be provided by your supervisor.

1. Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or the Chief Executive Officer.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Non-Exempt

SCHEDULE: Part-Time

SALARY: Hourly wage

SUPERVISED AND EVALUATED BY: Director of Adult Services