ACS PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST (Part Time)

Pawnee Mental Health; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pawnee Mental Health in Manhattan, KS is seeking a dedicated Peer Support Specialist to help clients progress in recovery and engage with supportive networks. You will coach and mentor clients, support treatment planning, and promote community integration with dignity and confidentiality.

Requirements include a High School diploma, life experience as a consumer of mental health services, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Current or past life experience as a primary consumer of mental health services.
• Oral and written communication skills in English.
• Valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance per Pawnee policy.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and retrieval.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in building a support network of peers and providers.
• Help clients participate actively in treatment and discuss questions with clinicians.
• Review incidents with supervisor and submit reports.
• Advocate for client rights and community integration while maintaining confidentiality.
• Mentor clients to respond to daily challenges and role model positive behavior.
• Travel to community settings to deliver services and support program needs.

Skills

Peer support

Mentorship

Communication

Advocacy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Who We Are

Pawnee Mental Health is proud of the high-quality services we offer and the positive outcomes our clients achieve. Our employees are the heart of our organization, and each person contributes to our mission. We’re looking for motivated, passionate individuals who want to use their skills to support others. We believe people facing mental health or substance use challenges deserve the chance to live meaningful, productive lives. If that mission resonates with you, we encourage you to explore this role and join us in making an impact.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Essential Responsibilities:

1. In line with Peer Support Certification guidelines, Peer Support Specialists must be in stable recovery from a behavioral health condition. Pawnee defines recovery for consumers of Pawnee Mental Health ACS as having graduated from the program or currently in a maintenance phase of services. If in a maintenance phase of services, the employee will need to receive services from a region other than where they are working, which may involve transferring ACS services or working in an alternate location.
2. Assist clients with developing a network for information and support from others who have been through similar experiences.
3. Assist clients with enhancing their ability to make independent choices and to take a proactive role in treatment including discussing questions or concerns about medications, diagnoses or treatment approaches with their treating clinician.
4. Review client incidents with supervisor and submit written report as outlined in policy and procedure.
5. Advocate for client rights and community integration. Preserve dignity and confidentiality of each person on caseload.
6. Perform as a mentor for clients in appropriately responding to the everyday challenges of their circumstances by giving feedback and role modeling.
7. In the absence of a crisis situation, ensure services provided are part of the client’s treatment plan.
8. Assist clients with identifying and effectively responding to or avoiding identified precursors or situations that result in functional impairments.
9. Meet administrative and clinical documentation requirements both in terms of content and timeliness.
10. Meet direct service expectations in terms of type and quantity of services provided as prescribed by management.
11. Drive to community settings for the delivery of services and related program needs. This includes transporting the client in a personal or company vehicle.
12. Attend and actively participate in clinical supervision and program staffing. Provide input to supervisors and other treatment team members regarding clinical and program issues.
13. Attend weekly supervision with a Peer Support approved Supervisor weekly.
14. Maintain and advance knowledge and skills related specifically to position or to field of work through regular review of pertinent materials or participation in training events as approved by supervisor.
15. Adhere to the standards, policies and instructions established by PMHS Policy and Procedure and any applicable ethical codes within field of employment.
16. Review and comply with the Pawnee Code of Conduct outlined in the Employee Handbook.
17. Perform all other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Required:

• A High School diploma or equivalent.
• Current or past life experience as a primary consumer of mental health services is required.
• Oral and written communication skills using the English language.
• A valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance maintained in accordance with Pawnee policy and procedure.
• Basic personal computer skills which enable the entry, retrieval and use of electronic data.

All employees will be required to submit to and pass a background check and drug screening.

Preferred:

• Experience with Microsoft Office software.
• Preference will be given in employment to candidates with Kansas certification as a Peer Specialist (CPS), however, in any case the incumbent must become certified within one year of employment.