Peer Support Specialist (ACT Team)

Elizabeth Layton Center Inc; Paola (KS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Elizabeth Layton Center Inc. seeks a Peer Support specialist to provide services within the ACT program for adults.

You will use a recovery-focused approach to help clients cope with symptoms, build coping skills, and access community resources in face-to-face settings, primarily in community locations. Responsibilities include developing consumer networks, supporting independent treatment decisions, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified in Kansas to provide Peer Support services (background checks and training).
• Provider identifies as a current or former consumer of mental health services.

Responsibilities

• Help consumers develop a support network from others with similar experiences.
• Assist consumers in making independent treatment choices and discussing questions with clinicians.
• Identify triggers and help prevent functional impairments.
• Collaborate with other staff and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Meet deadlines for daily paperwork and provide quality documentation.
• Complete trainings and comply with ELC policies and procedures.

Skills

Ability to relate and work creatively

Positive approach to complex mental

Direct and effective communication

Establish working relationships

Cultural sensitivity

Safety and accommodations awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Kansas certification to provide the service

Self-identification as consumer of mental health services

Job description

Description

Job Summary:

The incumbent will provide Peer Support (PS) services to adults within the ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) program. Peer Support services are consumer centered services with a rehabilitation and recovery focus designed to promote skills for coping with and managing psychiatric symptoms while facilitating the utilization of natural resources and the enhancement of community living skills. Activities included must be intended to achieve the identified goals and objectives as set forth in the consumer's individualized treatment plan. The structured, scheduled activities provided by this service emphasize the opportunity for consumers to support each other in the restoration and expansion of the skills and strategies necessary to move forward in recovery. PS is a face-to-face intervention with the consumer present. Services can be provided individually or in a group setting. The majority of PS contacts must occur in community locations where the person lives, works, attends school and/or socializes. The position reports directly to the ACT Team Coordinator.

Major Job Responsibilities:

• Helps the consumer develop a network for information and support from others who have been through similar experiences
• Assists the consumer with regaining the ability to make independent choices and to take a proactive role in treatment including discussing questions or concerns about medication, diagnoses or treatment approaches with their treating clinician
• Assists the consumer with identifying and effectively responding to or avoiding identified precursors or triggers that result in functional impairments
• Works in conjunction with other mental health center staff and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings
• Meets deadlines for daily paperwork
• Provides quality documentation
• Performs other duties as deemed appropriate by immediate supervisor or designee
• Completes all required trainings as assigned
• Complies with ELC policies and procedure

Requirements

Education and/or Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Certification in the State of Kansas to provide the service (which includes criminal, abuse/neglect registry and professional background checks, and completion of a state approved standardized basic training program)
• The provider must self-identify as a present or former primary consumer of mental health services

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to relate and work creatively and energetically with consumers
• Relates a positive approach to complex mental health issues
• Communicates directly and effectively in a cooperative manner
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and consumers
• Ability to be sensitive to cultural and ethnic differences
• Ability to safely perform major job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations