Peer Support Specialist, Enhanced Adult Mental Health Services #1334

Enhanced Adult Mental Health Services (EAMH) provides services to individuals with an SPMI diagnosis in an outpatient setting and in the community as needed. We work from a team based model to support our clients with a variety of services to help build skills for stability and independence.

The Peer Support Specialist provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals who have self-identified as desiring peer supports, to promote greater independence, community integration and recovery. Services provided by peers (people who have had the experience of mental health treatment and have training in Peer Support) include a wide variety of supports, services and advocacy that contribute to a client's ability to engage in ongoing treatment and work towards less dependence on traditional mental health treatment. These activities acknowledge the importance of involving significant others in the persons treatment that could positively impact their recovery.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Hillsboro/Walnut site.

Pay/Benefits: $22.74 starting hourly pay , plus Full benefits.

Essential Responsibilities

• Uses a Person-Centered approach to create and support treatment plan goals tailored to the specific needs of the individual receiving services.
• Uses own experiences as guided by training and also models the principles of recovery for those they work with, including gaining greater independence, emphasizing wellness and self-determination.
• Assists the person they work with to identify and utilize natural community supports to decrease dependence on the traditional mental health system.
• Works with clients to develop wellness and recovery goals towards what the client wants for their lives.
• Models wellness and recovery for the individuals they work with, sharing their own experience when beneficial to the individual.
• Works with clients on specific and obtainable goals included in the person's individual service and support plan.
• Provides support to clients who are having symptoms that could result in hospitalization.
• Connects clients to community resources to increase independent living and stability. Duties could include grovery shopping, managing healthcare appointments, meal preparation or just spending time with clients until they feel secure enough to be on their own.
• Assists clients in accessing community resources such as food boxes, healthcare appointments and other services as appropriate.
• Assists clients in maintaining a medication regimen. May deliver medications, make reminder calls, and complete home visits to support compliance with medication management.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to client's treatment.
• Participates in regular individual team meetings with supervisor. Provides written and verbal reports to supervisor regarding cases. Attends informational and clinical meetings which may include all-agency meetings, team meetings, consultation meetings with psychiatrist, staffings, intra-agency trainings, etc. Attend and contribute positively to team meetings, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• May educate and advocate for the values and principles of Peer Delivered Services and the Recovery Model.
• Checks e-mail/voicemail daily/throughout the day when working, responding to contacts within 48 hours for routine matter (urgent matters may require a more immediate response).
• Completes online training courses as assigned.
• Attends peer group supervision once per month.
• Meets with peer coordinator, as requested, for peer specific support.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Self-identifies as a current or former recipient of mental health services.
• Holds a Peer Support Specialist certification from a State-approved training program.
• May be beneficial to have prior experience working with SPMI adults or a nursing background.
• Must be available on an on-call basis, evenings, weekends and possible nights.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations.
• Basic computer skills including keyboarding, use of mouse, ability to navigate website and use common web browser.
• Requires access to a car, a valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and verification of safe driving record from DMV.
  
  

Work Activities

• Providing Direct Client Care -- Skills training and client support.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships -- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintaining them over time.
• Communicating with Supervisors or Peers -- Providing information to supervisors and co-workers by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  
  

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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