Peer Support Specialist

State of Montana; Deer Lodge (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Montana State Hospital for a Peer Support Specialist. This role provides peer-to-peer support to patients diagnosed with mental illness, grounded in recovery, and may lead peer groups or work as part of a team on unit and campus-based services.

Qualifications include a High School Diploma, Montana certification as a Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist, WRAP facilitator status, and basic

Qualifications

• Must have knowledge of and experience applying principles of Peer Support.
• Competent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to actively listen and provide social support.
• Ability to facilitate peer groups and individual peer sessions.
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement suggested work performance.
• Ability to comply with policies, procedures, and state statutes.
• Ability to operate a personal computer to complete essential functions including word processing, internet, and email.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-to-peer support to patients and promote wellness, independence, and recovery.
• Facilitate peer groups or contribute to unit and campus-based support services.

Skills

Peer support principles

Verbal and written communication

Active listening

Facilitate peer groups

Professional boundaries

Feedback and performance

Policy and compliance

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma

Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist

WRAP facilitator

Tools

Word processing

Internet

Email

Job description

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Montana State Hospital.

ThePeer Support Specialist provides peer to peer support to patients at the hospital who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. A Peer Supporter, by definition, is a person who “has been diagnosed with a mental illness and is grounded in recovery.” Peer Support Specialists focus on promoting and encouraging wellness, independence, and recovery. This position facilitates their own peer groups or works as part of a team providing support services on unit as well as campus based.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana’s comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity:

• Knowledge and experienced applying principles of Peer Support.
• Competent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to actively listen and provide social support.
• Ability to facilitate peer groups and individual peer sessions.
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement suggested work performance.
• Ability to comply with policies, procedures, and state statutes.
• Ability to operate a personal computer to complete essential functions including word processing, internet, and email.
• Meet minimum qualifications:
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be licensed as a Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist in the state of Montana prior to hire.
• Six months of experience using a computer to perform word processing, internet, and email duties.
• Certified as a WRAP facilitator or obtain within one year of hire.

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.