Peer Support Specialist-DCI

DescriptionThis is a staff level position providing advocacy, support, and outreach services to adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI). The person in this position works independently as well as function as a member of the treatment team. The CPSS will work with consumers focusing on recovery and wellness in the areas to include, but are not limited to housing, substance abuse, ACT services, employment, and health and wellness. They may also function as a member of specific teams, i.e. the Customer Support and RN teams. The person in this position will share their personal story of recovery. This person will report to and work under the supervision of the assigned Program Supervisor/Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Consumer and Family Support

Provide direct services, advocacy, crisis intervention, and recovery-focused support to consumers and families.
Advocate for consumers by educating them, connecting them with resources, and supporting coping skills that promote stability and community living.
Share personal recovery experiences, when appropriate, to offer hope, respect, optimism, and confidence.
Assist consumers in gaining insight into mental illness and recovery through the lens of personal experience.

Planning, Recovery, and Community Services

Participate in the Person-Centered Planning and Treatment Planning processes, including assisting consumers with wellness recovery and relapse prevention plans.
Provide recovery-oriented activities, including transportation, vocational or housing assistance, community support, referral and linkage, and individual or group sessions as needed.
Teach consumers how to communicate more effectively with providers so treatment plans reflect their wants and needs.
Assist with entitlement benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, and other applicable applications.
Support outreach efforts that help maintain consumer stability and medication compliance.

Documentation, Team Participation, and Compliance

Obtain corroborating documentation and information related to eligibility qualifications.
Provide input to the team, as needed, regarding mental illness, recovery, and peer support perspectives.
Meet direct service productivity and documentation standards in accordance with program and agency guidelines.
Participate in ACT/IDDT team meetings, peer support meetings, staff meetings, agency committees, and assigned projects.
Participate in Peer Support Specialist trainings and meet agency productivity and performance standards.
Adhere to MiSide policies and procedures, the MiSide Code of Ethics, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

High School diploma/GED equivalent

EXPERIENCE

Previous experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness
Significant experience in delivery of vocational or rehabilitation services
Experience partnering with employers preferred

REQUIRED

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURES

Must have or obtain state Certified Peer Support Specialist certification and maintain training requirements
Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a private vehicle for day-to-day job performance

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to work in a wide variety of non-office, community settings with consumers with chronic symptoms of mental illness to function in their community settings
Ability to exercise appropriate independent judgments in field responses, as needed
Ability to be creative and innovative in the performance of duties and responsibilities
General knowledge of Northwest Detroit and surrounding areas and have knowledge of available community resources
Demonstrate initiative, analytical skills, organization and attention to detail
Ability to exercise conflict resolution measures
Ability to function in a multi-disciplinary team setting
Ability to relate to a diverse population which includes a variety of age, economic and educational backgrounds
Comply with attendance and punctuality policies, as well as all other MiSide policies and procedures
Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Work independently
Demonstrate customer service focus, with the ability to relate and interact with all levels people

WORKING CONDITIONS

Services will be provided in the office, or other appropriate community settings
Work may require vehicle travel in an urban community
Must be able to tolerate varied weather conditions when traveling within the community

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sitting, standing, walking, driving, repeated hand and wrist motions (for use of computers, phones, and other office equipment) are required
Vision must be suitable to read printed material and computer screen
Hearing and speech must be sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone