Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

The Peer Support Specialist’s roll is to support others with mental health diagnosis. Under the supervision of a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), peer support specialists use their own unique, life experience to guide and support others who are in some form of recovery. This typically refers to patients recovering from addiction, mental health disorders or abuse. Peer Support Specialists work in conjunction with highly trained and educated professionals. They fill a gap by providing support from the perspective of someone who has first-hand experience, something that professionals cannot learn from training or education. This position promotes socialization, recovery, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports and maintenance of skills learned in other support services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education: High school graduate or equivalent preferred. Must be at least 18 years old.
2. Licensure/Certification: Must have OHA approved Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Training, Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) training, or the ability to obtain such training withing 90 days of hire. Valid Oregon Driver’s license with a clean driving record for the past three years. Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 443.004. Must not be listed on the Medicaid Provider exclusion list. Have or obtain CPR/BLS certification.
3. Experience: Preference may be given to individuals who have experience working as a Peer Support Specialist and/or who have already completed the Peer Support Specialist training. Preference is given to individuals who have
   previous or current involvement as a behavioral health client, and/or who have lived experience with psychiatric disabilities and/or the legal system. EHR systems experience preferred. Microsoft Office Suite experience preferred.
4. Job knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge of symptoms and challenges faced by individuals with mental illness. Have a knowledge of the assessment and referral process. Have or be able to gain a knowledge of community-based services. Familiarity with treatment and service terminology and treatment planning.
5. Skills: Have an ability to understand and effectively apply the concepts and practices of trauma-informed philosophy. Demonstrate skills in interacting with the public and have the ability to coordinate services across various agencies and community groups. Must have the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Must be computer literate. Must have the ability to analyze therapeutic processes and determine means of maintaining and/or increasing independence for clients. Ability to connect participants to various models of recovery support, community resources
   and help to develop a support network.
6. Expected Hours of Work: Hours of typical operation are M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm. Must be able to work a flexible schedule.
7. Personal Protective Must be able and willing to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
   Equipment (PPE): (PPE) required to perform the job safely.
8. Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not directly supervise staff.
9. Travel: Travel (using a company vehicle) occasionally required for this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions of this position.

1. Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational,
   vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self-help groups, professional services, etc.) that
   support the individual’s goals and interests. Work in a collaborative effort with the individual, agency
   staff, and other relevant stakeholders. Coordinate and facilitate oversight of skills building groups.
2. Practice and apply knowledge of trauma-informed care in performing work with clients.
3. Communicate with treatment team about problems or concerns. Participate in on-going support network
   with other staff, participate in team meetings and staffing.
4. Support connections to community based, mutual self-help groups. Link individuals to appropriate
   professional resources when needed. Provide vision-driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at
   varying levels of involvement in community-based activities.
5. Maintain appropriate documentation as required by Outback Strong. Document direct and indirect client
   interaction promptly according to program standards. Keep all charts of clients for whom services were delivered current according to quality assurance and departmental standards. Secure all confidential material at close of each workday. Provide support staff with required materials and documentation in a timely, courteous, and legible manner.
6. Peer Support Specialists are required to comply with Oregon Administrative Rules, Outback Strong
   Policy and Procedures, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 42 CFR, Part 2
   Federal Confidentiality Statues and MHACBO certification and ethical standards.
7. Identify barriers (internal and external) to allow for full participation in community resources and
   develop strategies to overcome those barriers.
8. Work with staff and other community professionals to implement and promote recovery-oriented
   training programs, opportunities and care plans. Provide input into the therapeutic treatment of the
   individual being served and respect and honor client rights and responsibilities.
9. Adhere to the MHACBO Ethics Agreement and Code of Conduct.
10. Maintain continuing education requirements.
11. Other duties as assigned: the essential functions outline the primary duties performed by this position,
    however, other related work assignments may be added, removed, or changed by management.