Peer Support Specialist

THIS IS AN ON CALL ROLE WITH A COMMITMENT OF APPROX 36 HOURS A MONTH The UK HealthCare EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing) program seeks a Peer Support Specialist to work with patients in behavioral health crisis, including mental health and substance use disorders. The EmPATH program focuses on providing supportive, trauma-resilient care to adults in acute behavioral health crisis through a holistic approach which includes individual and group psychoeducation, peer support services, case management and the medical treatment of substance use and mental health disorders. This individual will be part of a multidisciplinary team of providers to provide comprehensive mental health care and support for patients in an observation setting. This individual will need to demonstrate understanding of peers’ experiences and feelings and have the ability to relate their own recovery story and with permission, the recovery stories of others to inspire hope. The Peer Support Specialist will maintain a caseload of clients/patients and assist them and clinical staff to help facilitate an appropriate level of care. In addition, the Peer Support Specialist may lead psychoeducation groups and follow up with the patient following discharge to ensure they are engaging with community supports. Responsibilities will include providing peer support services and related support to patients in a collaborative, academic environment, timely preparation of chart notes and submission of billing through the electronic medical record and participating in team/staff meetings. Qualified candidates will have peer support services experience in providing support with a focus on patients greater than or equal to 18 years of age and with a diagnosed mental health or substance use disorder.