Peer Specialist - Access Mental Health

Wheeler Clinic Inc; Plainville (CT); Remote; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

Wheeler Clinic Inc seeks a Peer Specialist to assist families in accessing behavioral health services. The role involves coordination of care, both telephonically and in-person, providing essential support for children and youth. The ideal candidate must have a High School Diploma and experience navigating related systems, with bilingual Spanish skills preferred. This part-time, remote position offers flexibility with initial in-person training days.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Wellness programs

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

403(b) Plan with contributions

Education Reimbursement Program

Training and development opportunities

Generous paid time off

Free counseling through EAP

Qualifications

• Personal or family experience navigating related systems for behavioral health care is required.
• Direct experience in supporting youth and/or families is preferred.
• Certification in the state of Connecticut as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Coordination of care and telephonic support for families accessing behavioral health services.
• Collaboration with providers like pediatricians and DCF to facilitate youth care.
• Attendance at meetings to ensure coordination of complex services.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Customer service

Computer proficiency

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Wheeler's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Specialist arranges appointments with local behavioral health providers. He/she assists with making phone calls to families referred for behavioral health services to monitor follow up/engagement with keeping of appointments. At times, he/she may provide in-person support and coordination of care. The Peer Specialist provides both traditional and non-traditional referrals to families and works with program staff to ensure successful coordination of referrals. He/she attends community-based family related coordination meetings such as local System of Care community collaborative meetings.

Rate: $20

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma plus some personal or family related experience navigating the service and/ or related systems to obtain care for self or a family member with behavioral health challenges is required. Direct experience supporting, serving or otherwise providing care to youth and/or families case management experience is preferred. Spanish speaking is preferred. Certification in the state of Connecticut is required as such certification is made available.

Exhibits strong interpersonal, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills. Demonstrates computer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other software programs.

LOCATION

SCHEDULE

Part time, remote position with in person training days at start

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you:

Nurture Your Health:

• Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
• Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
• Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health

Secure Your Future:

• Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company
• Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program
• Access training and development opportunities
• Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication

Maintain Work-Life Harmony:

• Recharge with generous paid time off, including:
  • 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge
  • 8 sick days per year for your well-being
  • 2 personal days per year for your personal needs
  • 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you
  • 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones
• Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides assistance, coordination of care and supportive telephonic or in-person services to parents and caretakers accessing behavioral health care for their children and youth.

Works in collaboration with other providers involved in the youth’s care (including pediatricians, DCF, other behavioral health providers, schools and advocates) to the extent that it helps to obtain needed behavioral health services.

Attends meetings, when necessary, to facilitate the coordination of complex services and resources.

Maintains a working knowledge of available resources and provides education of resources and processes related to accessing behavioral health services, including Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services (EMPS), to the family and related service providers.

Documents and tracks coordination efforts, via computer based programming and communicates as indicated.

Establishes relationships with related community-based advocacy and collaborative groups.

Maintains professionalism and positive customer service approach with clients, team members and internal and external colleagues, agencies, providers and referral sources.

Utilizes available trainings and staff development opportunities, to enhance knowledge and growth with the agency.

Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.

Wheeler Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.