Peer Support Specialist
At Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center our vision is to empower people, foster hope,
support choice, and celebrate success.
**HILL COUNTRY MHDD CENTERS IS OFFERING A $2,000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR ALL MENTAL HEALTH POSITIONS
THAT ARE FULL-TIME, NEW HIRE EMPLOYEES**
Help us help others:
A Peer Specialist is someone with their own lived experience with mental health challenges who is far enough along in their recovery to work in a professional environment and walk alongside others as they navigate their recovery journey.
Candidates must be willing and able to:
- Share their recovery story with incoming and current clientele as a way of inspiring HOPE that people can and do recover from the life disruptions often associated with mental health challenges.
- Provide practical, real-world support in coping with life’s day to day demands through modeling and coaching approaches to mental health recovery.
** A Current Certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist is Preferred, but not required **
- Hill Country MHDD Centers will pay for the Mental Health Peer Specialist certification training ($650) for a candidate that comes to the table with a working knowledge of what peer support is and is not.
A qualified candidate will recognize Peer Support as a profession as well as an ongoing effort to promote change within the system of care by advocating for person-centered care and honoring the voice and choice of service participants.
- To learn more please complete the online self-assessment and orientation then fill out and save the attestation that you have completed the self-assessment and orientation and upload along with your resume.
You will get to:
- Promote the value of self-help, peer support and personal empowerment to foster recovery.
- Coach individuals in positive skill-building techniques for improved life management (e.g., problem solving, identifying, and overcoming fears and negative self-talk).
- Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
- Organize, plan, and facilitate peer support groups.
- Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all individuals served.
- Look for growth opportunities in the system of care, and voice growth and development ideas to supervisor to continuously improve services provided through peer support.
- Develop meaningful, innovative group engagement activities, based on the needs of the individuals of the group; with a “Whole Health” approach.
- Manage schedule to keep individuals served informed and updated on activities.
- Assist with outreach.
- Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
- Organize, plan, and facilitate peer support groups.
- Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all individuals served.
- Look for growth opportunities in the system of care, and voice growth and development ideas to supervisor to continuously improve services provided through peer support.
- Manage schedule to keep individuals served informed and updated on activities.
- Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
- Remains active and stable in one’s own recovery to model and demonstrate progress toward mental health goals.
- Maintains comprehensive documentation that meets or exceeds Department of State Health Services (DSHS) standards, and Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) standards.
- Utilizes Collaborative Documentation and all documentation entered within 24 hours.
- Track referrals and provide follow-up on individuals who are released from the Crisis Stabilization Unit within 1-2 days.
- Comply with HIPAA and Protected Health Information (PHI)/Personally Identifiable Information (PII) policies/rules/laws/regulations to ensure confidentiality of all client information.
- Comply with all HCMHDDC policies and procedures, including the completion of all required training.
- Ensures timely communication within the department and with other departments and agencies via written correspondence, email, telephones, and other means to ensure project follow through and completion.
- Value and respect every individual’s recovery experience.
- Engage individuals in services in the progression of person-centered recovery goals/objectives.
- Provide face-to-face service hours to reach or exceed performance goals.
- Schedule one-to-one appointments. This may include home visits or the community.
- Must be eager to promote the peer support program. This included engaging individuals in existing services or new to services into the peer support program; this may include introductory calls (cold calls), greeting individuals waiting for services (in waiting areas), presenting information in a public setting, etc.
- Provide timely notice to individuals served, and supervisor, clinic director, and other necessary team members on changes to group schedules, appointments, etc.
- Maintains staff kept appointment rate above 80%.
- Maintains a Peer List (Caseload) on spreadsheet provided by Director of Peer Support.
- Maintains a minimum of 25 scheduled appointments in a given week.
- Responsible for documenting and entering all appointments, including missed appointments within 24 hours.
- Supervisor lead Progress Note Audit scores of 85 or above (quarterly).
- Evidence of collaborative documentation.
- A valid driver’s license, and insurance is required as routine driving and/or transportation is required.
- A willingness to share your personal experience of mental health recovery is essential.
- Develop meaningful, innovative, and impactful group engagement activities, based on the needs of the individuals of the group; with a “Whole Health” approach.
You’ll definitely need:
- To be far enough along in your own recovery journey to walk alongside others on their journey.
- Computer skills to utilize our Electronic Health Record to submit timely and accurate documentation.
- To successfully complete and maintain PMAB and CPR certification.
- A High School Diploma/GED
- A valid Texas driver’s license and current automobile insurance.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred, but not required.
We’ll also want you to:
- Employ excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage and report effectively.
- Maintain a well-organized schedule and travel as necessary to ensure completion of duties.
- Maintain accurate and timely collaborative documentation with adherence to HIPPA regulations.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation and collaborate with youth and families served to develop treatment planning.
- Adapt approach to meet all types of communication styles and personalities while effectively implementing solutions that work.
- Employ excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage, instruct, and manage teams and collaborate with individuals and families. Review team documentation.
- Maintain a well-organized schedule while allowing room for flexibility and adjustments with up to 25% travel.
- Sustain a calm demeanor when under pressure to handle sometimes difficult situations.
- Provide exemplary customer service and care to individuals with their best interest at heart.
- Work autonomously to complete assignments within community and HHSC standards with a high level of quality.
- Work cooperatively with others and be punctual and consistent in attendance because your people will rely on you!
We’re excited to provide:
- PPO health insurance plan, with option to add dependents.
- PPO dental plans and vision insurance options for healthy teeth and eyes.
- Employer paid life insurance.
- 401(a) plan, employer matches your contributions dollar for dollar up to 8% of your salary. You are 100% vested after 3 years of service.
- 457/403(b) plan, employees are immediately eligible to contribute pre-tax earnings.
- Generous paid time off for fun and vacations and paid sick time for when you’re under the weather.
- Authentic and caring environment where folks care about each other.
We can pay you:
$17.30 per hour plus good karma for doing good in the world.