Peer Support Specialist (Transition Age Youth)

SCCMHA JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

CLASSIFICATION: Peer Support Specialist (TAY)

PAY GRADE: $18.05 - $21.09 Hourly

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Mental Health Supervisor (Self Determination & Transition Services), works in conjunction with the Self Determination team, and Max System of Care to instill a message of hope and recovery to youth and young adults (ages 14-29) to meet their overarching goals in transitioning to independence and adulthood. Will work with assigned consumers with the specific purpose of supporting consumers to achieve increased community inclusion and participation, independence and productivity. Serves as a model for others that recovery/independence can be achieved, and willing to share their story of transitioning. This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid consumer in the recovery/transitioning process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Actively participates as a member of a SCCMHA Transition Team in all phases of TAY (Transition Aged Youth) program planning, development and implementation, to meet the needs of TAY population with EBD (Emotional Behavioral Challenges) in Saginaw County area.

2. Participates and assists in developing and implementing TAY program at SCCMHA according to research-based core practices including: TAY strength discovery and needs assessment, future planning, rationales, in-vivo training, social-problem solving, high risk behaviors/situations prevention, and mediation with TAY and other involved parties.

3. Assists in communicating, representing, and promoting the peer perspective to TAY transition team, SCCMHA, and other community agencies, as they related to clients’ strengths, preferences, barriers, and needs in developing and implementing client-centered and recovery-oriented TAY transition program.

4. Attends SCCMHA Youth Transition team meetings as well as other inter-agency and intra-agency case conferences/meetings related to successful transition of the youth or young adults with EBD into independence and adult roles.

5. Assists in developing group therapy manual and may provide or facilitate group therapy with the objective of training youths or young adults on TAY program core practices as well as on basic life and self-determination skills to help them transition to independence and adulthood.

6. Assists youth and young adults in providing consultation, education and (accessing and navigating) resources to help maintain or improve levels of functioning as they relate to research-based transition domains: personal effectiveness and wellbeing, community life, employment and career, educational opportunities, and living situation.

7. May provide consultation, assistance and resources to SCCMHA Transition team and TAY families and parents to promote client-centered recovery systems of care.

8. Partners with SCCMHA Transition Team by sharing direct experiences, to link youth and young adults to internal and/or external supports, community resources, agencies and programs.

9. Assists youth and young adults in developing value-based empowerment skills through self-advocacy, and be able to assist and model effective coping skills to manage emotional regulation, stress, social pressure, and stigma among other challenges during transition and recovery.

10. Able to establish supportive relationships with youth and young-adult clients, and cultivate a warm and welcoming environment in coordinating and facilitating events, services, and treatment programs.

11. Attends Peer Support Specialist Certification training as well as other work-related workshops, seminars, and SCCMHA training in consultation with their direct supervisor and/or the Saginaw MAX System of Care Program Director.

12. Participates in activities and serve as a representative of Saginaw MAX, the Saginaw System of Care initiative.

13. Will work closely with case managers/support coordinators and other unit members to ensure that services are provided according to agency policy and the person centered plan.

14. Will participate in required trainings as identified by the supervisor.

15. Will complete documentation of all job tasks according to agency policy utilizing an electronic medical record.

16. Will assist consumers in carrying out tasks related to their person centered plan including but not limited to pre-planning, plan development and implementation, assistance with keeping appointments, assistance with refilling prescriptions and transportation, as needed.

17. Will participate in approved staff development activities, in-services and supervisory sessions.

18. Will participate in staff meetings to receive current information, guidance and direction and to represent the voice of consumers and the belief in recovery.

19. Will advocate on behalf of youth and young adults.

20. Will meet expectations for units/hours of service as established by the organization.

21. Will participate in the planning for and implementation of evidence based practices.

22. Adheres to the mission, vision, core values and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times.

INCIDENTAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

1. May represent SCCMHA on internal/external committees or workgroups to enhance service delivery and development and quality of care.

2. Performs various administrative/clerical functions such as preparing travel vouchers, making copies of documents, filing, etc.

3. Reacts productively to change.

4. Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor, consistent with the accomplishment of agency goals and objectives and the functions of the position.

5. Uses computer hardware and software to perform tasks.

6. May provide transportation to agency consumers consistent with identified needs and as agreed upon by assigned staff and supervisor.

(The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of personnel so classified.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Mental Health Supervisor (Self Determination & Transition Services)

Supervises: None

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:

Works in office environment with pressures dealing with time constraints. Frequently drives automobile in all kinds of weather conditions. May counsel individuals who may become potentially violent. May work in shared office space.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent with the ability to read and understand written plans of service and, clearly and concisely document contacts. Associates degree preferred.

Experience: Must have received behavioral health services and “lived” experience participating in SED (serious emotional disturbances) treatment services, collaborating with, but not limited to, CMH, Department of Health and Human Services, Foster Care, Child protective Services, Juvenile Justice, criminal Justice, etc.

License and Certification: Valid Michigan Driver’s license with good driving record.

Must have or attain within six (6) months of hire certification through Michigan Department Community Health (MDCH) as a Certified Youth Peer Support Specialist (CYPSS).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. A belief that youth and young adults with Serious Emotional Challenges can live productive/independent lives.

2. Willingness to share your own personal story of recovery with the public and other consumers.

3. Ability to plan, organize and complete work in a timely fashion.

4. Effective oral and written communication skills.

5. Must have safe driving habits and a valid Michigan Drivers license.

6. Must have the computer skills necessary to document consumer contacts.

7. Ability to work as a member of a team and maintain flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of youth and young adults.

8. Ability to accept constructive supervision.

9. Knowledge and support for person centered planning concepts.

10. Ability to work effectively as a team, as well as, independently.

11. Have a working knowledge of community resources.

12. Functional competency in reading, writing and math skills.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.

2. Visual Acuity to observe consumer behavior’s, read and proofread documents and use CRT.

3. Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.

4. Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)

5. Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.

6. Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, consumers and the general public.

7. Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.

8. Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.

9. Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or consumers.

(Listed qualifications are for guidance in filling this position. Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered; however, mandatory licensing or certification requirements cannot be waived. Physical/mental requirements cannot be waived unless specifically indicated.)

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer

A person with a disability or handicap requiring accommodation for completing the application process should notify the Human Resource Office at (989) 797-3472 as soon as possible.

Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of SCCMHA to afford equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital or familial status, height, weight, disability, genetics or handicap. Michigan law requires that a person with a disability or handicap requiring accommodation for employment must notify the employer in writing within 182 days after the need is known.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 states that employers must require all persons hired to submit documents to the employer showing their identity and their right to be lawfully employed in the United States. It also requires that the employee complete and sign a government form to this effect.

If you are offered a position by SCCMHA, you will need to furnish documents for inspection that verify your identity and indicate that you are legally permitted to work in the United States. Documents that are acceptable include your driver’s license, or state issued I.D., and your Social Security card or birth certificate.

These documents must be provided within three (3) working days of employment. If the original documents are not available, you must submit proof that you have applied for the required documents.

I certify that the facts set forth in my Application of Employment, in my resume and in the other materials I have submitted are true and complete. I understand that any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in disqualification from employment with SCCMHA or in dismissal from employment if an offer of employment has been made and accepted.

I hereby authorize SCCMHA to contact all my former and current employers, educational institutions, relevant Office of Recipient Rights, and the other references I have provided regarding me and my performance record and work, academic and/or military experience.

I hereby authorize my current and former employers, and the Office of Recipient Rights, to disclose to SCCMHA all requested information, including but not limited to, any information concerning any unprofessional conduct by me, and to make available to SCCMHA copies of all documents maintained in my personnel or other records, including but not limited to, documents relating to any unprofessional conduct by me.

I also hereby release SCCMHA and its employees and agents, and all of my former and current employers, educational institutions, Office of Recipient Rights, and the other references I have provided, from any and all liability and damages for releasing in good faith, or using, information concerning me and my performance record and work, academics and/or military experience. I also hereby waive any right under the Bullard-Plawecki Right to Know Act, 1978 PA 397, to receive written notice from SCCMHA and my former or current employer, or the Office of Recipient Rights, that disciplinary reports, letters of reprimand, or other disciplinary action taken against me while employed, will be or have been disclosed to a third person or entity.

I also understand that SCCMHA may conduct or have conducted by an individual or entity of its choice, a Driver’s License Report and a criminal background history through the State of Michigan; a Health Professions License check (if applicable) through the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and a Excluded Parties List System check (if applicable) through the Federal government search on me. I hereby consent to this search being conducted and to the disclosure of the results of that search by the individual or entity conducting the search to SCCMHA. I further hereby release the individual or entity conducting the search, SCCMHA, and its employees and agents, from any liability, claims and damages, including but not limited to, claims for releasing or using any information revealed as a result of this search. I also understand and acknowledge that criminal convictions may result in disqualification from employment with SCCMHA or in dismissal from employment if any offer of employment has been made and accepted.

I hereby consent to having a physical examination and/or test(s) conducted by a physician or other professional of SCCMHA’s choice, and understand that any offer of employment is conditioned upon the results of this examination (s) and/or test (s). I further agree to submit to a pre-employment drug screen, and I understand that the present use of illegal drugs and/or substances will disqualify me from employment with SCCMHA.