Peer Support Specialist

Responsible for providing peer support services to clients receiving crisis and follow up services in the community as a part of the Community Mobile Team. Acts as a liaison between the clinician, community and client when needed, offering a lived-experience perspective, as a crucial element of trauma informed care.

Available shifts: 10:00am-10:00pm, Thursday Friday Saturday

Positions supervised: None

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Is trained and approved by OMHAS as Peer Support Specialist.
• Training and experience in Trauma Informed Care, recognizing the impact of trauma on self as caregiver, as well as client. Gives input from a trauma-recovery perspective into the Civilian Mobile Crisis program and procedures affecting treatment of clients, with the aim of reducing or eliminating re-traumatizing clients, providing choice, respect, and consideration for clients and their recovery.
• Documents observations and interactions in electronic health record.
• Assists with dangerous and potentially dangerous situations and takes appropriate measures to assure client/worker safety.
• Takes initiative to interact with client and to help clients feel as comfortable as possible while at Netcare.
• Provides exceptional customer service to clients, community members, coworkers, and other professionals.
• Documents and bills appropriately for all client interactions.
• Maintains productivity standards as determined by management.
• Reviews email and internal mail delivery daily and responds if needed in a timely manner.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Provides services to, or on behalf of clients in person or via telephone including (but not limited to):
• Assisting in the implementation of treatment plans in accordance with identified time frames.
• Monitoring and documenting client behaviors and progress toward goals and objectives, as well as changes in symptoms.
• Providing support and interventions in crisis situations as appropriate.
• Uses own recovery experience and training to assist clients in developing the skills and knowledge needed for recovery. Performs the following duties:
• Engaging the client
• Supporting the personal recovery goals of the client
• Community networking with/on behalf of the client
• Advocating with and for the benefit of the client
• Mentoring client
• Bridging or helping clients navigate the mental health system
• Training clients on self-advocacy, wellness, life skills, goal setting, and decision-making.
• Develops rapport and engages in a personal and positive supportive relationship, demonstrating and inspiring hope, trust, and positive outlook Provides social and emotional support.
• Trains fellow personnel on the unique role of peer support specialist.
• Represents peers in Trauma Informed Care meetings throughout Netcare and other committees as assigned.

Skills and abilities:

• Ability to relate to clients with a variety of backgrounds -- including but not limited to parameters of age, race, ethnicity, sex, LGBTQ+ status, immigration status, ability to speak English, economic circumstances, educational level, and legal history.
• Ability to achieve and maintain certification in required training programs.
• Ability to monitor condition of clients and recognize changes in clients' mental and physical status.
• Ability to work in alternate locations as assigned.
• Exhibits flexibility and ability to manage multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to translate personal experience to articulate the collective experiences of clients.
• Ability to use basic intervention skills.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to engage in problem-solving process.
• Ability to perform basic office duties in environment of simultaneous demands.
• Maintains appropriate emotional and relationship boundaries with clients, as defined by the Ohio Certification for Peer Supporters.
• Attends regular supervision regarding professional emotional and relationship boundaries.
• Maintains confidentiality expectations to protect clients and Netcare.
• Maintains competency in the following areas, as demonstrated by successfully completing trainings provided by Ohio Peer Supporters and other organizations:
• Personal Advocacy
• Engagement
• Recovery and Resiliency Principles
• Community Supports/Connections
• The effective use of sharing life experiences
• Engages in ongoing training on current practices in peer support services.

Minimum qualifications (all):

Drivers License required

Preferred: BA/BS in mental health/social services field; SWA.

Required: Completed Ohio Peer Supporter/Peer Specialist training through Ohio Empowerment Coalition and received a certificate through Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services.

H.S. Diploma or Associate Degree in mental health/social services field. Experience with mental health/drug and alcohol, and/or crisis intervention services preferred. Basic computer, telephone, and exceptional customer service skills required.

Essential core competencies (all):

• Ability to accurately and succinctly complete documentation of services and interventions.
• Ability to complete required paperwork in a timely and error-free fashion.
• Ability to identify client needs and provide effective interventions.
• Ability to apply risk management and problem-solving techniques to clinical/workplace situations.
• Ability to engage and de-escalate clients in a professional and effective manner.
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a team.
• Demonstrates broad knowledge of and ability to access community resources on behalf of clients.
• Ability to adhere to Agency Policies, Procedures and other expectations.
• Ability to provide Customer-Focused services
• Actively seeks opportunities to develop professional skills.