($21.684 - $24.554)

This is an integral role within NLCMHA’s BHH to support beneficiaries with interventions necessary to improve health outcomes through coordination and integration of health care services across the continuum of care. This position is responsible for supporting those we serve in recovery, maintaining good mental and physical health, and managing symptoms in support of healthy goals. Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) will work with persons with severe and persistent mental illness in their paths towards recovery. This position is responsible for serving persons in all six counties served by NLCMHA.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS (listing Position Specific functions first):

• Work closely with Health Home team members to ensure completion of tasks outlined in the health home care plans.
• Assist consumers in carrying out tasks related to the Health Home Care Plan, including but not limited to, completion of forms for benefits, social/relationship skill building activities, and other identified tasks as identified by medical necessity criteria.
• Serve as a recovery agent by providing and advocating for effective recovery-based services, assist consumers in obtaining services that suit that individual’s recovery needs, inform consumers about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process, and assist consumers in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy and stigma-busting.
• Role model competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills.
• Assist non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conductive to recovery; lend unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible.
• Using unique recovery experience, teach and role model the value of every individual’s recovery experience, assist the consumer in obtaining decent and affordable housing of his or her choice in the most integrated, independent, and least intrusive environment, and model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Appointment making assistance, including coordinating transportation.
• Ensure that documentation is accurate and completed in a timely manner.
• Meet regularly with the care team to plan care and discuss cases and exchange appropriate information with team members.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals and other relevant materials.
• Utilize complex interpersonal and communication skills on a frequent basis. This includes group services and formal presentations.
• Must be able to work with intangible information, uncertainties, or missing information to assess and consider in the course of providing treatment.
• Follow the Michigan CPSS/PRC Code of Ethics once certified.
• Meet management expectations.
• Services provided will occur in the office setting, community setting and home environment.
• Other applicable duties may be assigned.

SUPPLEMENTARY FUNCTIONS:

• May represent NLCMHA on internal/external committees or work groups to enhance organizational performance and development and quality of care, including Quality Improvement activities.
• May participate in community education/community caregiver activities.
• May receive and assist in resolving complaints or inquiries related to services provided by NLCMHA.

GENERAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Set priorities and make decisions, which reflect consistency with NLCMHA’s vision and mission statements, goals, values, policies and procedures.
• Follow established policies, procedures, or practices, but expect to use discretion frequently in selecting courses of action.
• Provide services and conduct tasks in accordance with terms/conditions required by the funding source, i.e., Northern Michigan Regional Entity (NMRE Contract), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) CMHSP Master Contract and with applicable laws and regulations.
• Participate in approved staff development activities, in-services and supervisory sessions.
• Maintain confidentiality and develop a trusting rapport with consumers, families/guardians, staff and the general public.
• Behave and communicate in a manner that promotes a positive work atmosphere.
• Perform duties in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation/records/reports as applicable for position performance accountability.
• Adjust work schedule, with supervisory approval, to meet consumer and/or NLCMHA needs.
• Maintain an awareness to provide a safe and healthy environment and will report all hazards and/or concerns.
• Accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor, consistent with the accomplishment of NLCMHA’s goals and objectives and the functions of this position. Such responsibilities shall be incorporated into the job description if they involve a lengthy commitment of time or are ongoing.
• Advise supervisor if actual practice (activity) begins to deviate significantly from specified essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPENTENCIES:

Peer Support Specialist:

• Primary diagnosis of a mental health condition.
• Has been a recipient of mental health treatment and/or service for at least one year, with a substantial life disruption due to their mental health condition.
• Have personal experience in navigating complex mental health treatment services.
• Must be willing to share recovery story when appropriate.

Peer Recovery Coach:

• Have a substance use disorder, co-occurring disorder(s), and/or non-substance addictive disorder(s) and have received treatment from a public or private provider.
• Have two (2) continuous years in recovery at some point in time after the age of 18.
• Have personal experience in navigating complex substance use disorder, co-occurring disorder(s), and/or non-substance addictive disorder(s) treatment services (self-help groups are not included).

LICENSING or CERTIFICATIONS:

Must attend full certification training as deemed appropriate by supervisory staff within nine months of hire in date.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Must possess a High School Diploma and/or a GED and be able to show proof if requested.

Must be an individual who is committed to his/her own personal recovery and who expects recovery for all consumers.

Must have computer skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of the Mental Health Code, and the structure, guidelines and services of NLCMHA.
• Uphold NLCMHA’s Code of Conduct and professional Code of Ethics, in addition to maintaining current appropriate State licensure/registration and standards where applicable.
• Must possess professional knowledge, consistent with license or registration and demonstrate throughout employment practice equal to acceptable professional standards.
• Ability to communicate, understand and carry out oral and written directions effectively in English and clearly present information both orally and in writing on a level suitable for public groups.
• Learn community resources and identify procedures required to use a wide range of services.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and productively serve as a member of a team with employees and the public plus have the ability to deal with problems courteously and tactfully.
• Ability to work effectively with employees of other agencies, Board members, advisory groups, committees, professional organizations and the public.
• Skill in advocating on behalf of consumers, families/guardians and NLCMHA with the community at large.
• Must have a working telephone, possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License, have a good driving record, automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile.
• Must be willing to transport agency consumers, including in own personal vehicle when necessary.