Copy Of Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) - Gwinnett Co. Jail In-Reach Program - Lawrenceville, GA.

View Point Health

View Point Health is a community behavioral health center utilizing a team of psychiatrists, nurses, licensed counselors and social workers, as well as other professionals to provide services to individuals who need treatment and support to cope with mental illness, substance abuse, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. View Point Health serves uninsured, underinsured, low-income Medicaid, Medicare, war veterans and some private insurance across multiple locations with a full continuum of behavioral health services and support.

View Point Health is partnering with the Gwinnett County Sherriff's Office and developing a Jail In-Reach Program. The program aims to embed a care coordinator and a forensic peer specialist in the jail to engage incarcerated individuals with behavioral health challenges and help them develop an action plan to get out of jail and thrive in the community. This program will be implemented in the Gwinnett County Detention Center (GCDC) and will include two (2) View Point Health staff embedded in the Detention Center. These staff include a Care Coordinator (e.g., Case Manager) and Forensic Peer Mentor (FPM) – operating as the Jail In-reach Team.

The primary purpose of the program is to screen individuals incarcerated for behavioral health challenges. Those individuals with behavioral health needs will be paired with the Jail In-reach team to create and implement a strengths-based, post-release plan of care. The primary goal of the program is to reduce length of incarceration by identifying specific behavioral health needs and alleviate repeated incarcerations by implementing a plan of care that incorporates effective community-based services.

 Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment/service plans.
• Utilize personal recovery experience as a tool in providing support to consumers in meeting daily recovery goals and during crisis episodes.
  
• Coordinate and monitor services including mental health treatment, substance use services, housing, medical care, employment, and other supports.
• Advocate for client access to resources, services, and benefits.
• Maintain regular contact with clients via community visits, office appointments, and phone check-ins.
• Facilitate access to emergency interventions when needed.
• Participate in case conferences, team meetings, and supervision sessions.
• Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with community service providers.
• The community Care Coordinator participates in interdisciplinary case staffing and staff meetings.
• Perform brief mental health and substance use intake and screening.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with agency, state, and funding requirements.
• Collaborate with internal clinical staff, external providers, families, and legal representatives to ensure integrated care.
• Educate clients and families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available supports.
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma/GED and one (1) year of job-related experience in a social services-related position.

• Certified Peer Specialist in the State of Georgia, or eligible to become a CPS or with at least two years experience in the mental health field and three years experience working in a peer environment.
• Has been in Recovery from mental illness and/or substance use for at least three years and has had successful employment for at least two years;

Preferred qualifications:

• Minimum of 1–2 years’ experience in a mental health, social services, or community-based setting.
• Strong understanding of community mental health systems and recovery-oriented services.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Proficient in documentation and use of electronic health records (EHRs).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (if travel is required).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working with the Severe and Persistently Mentally Ill population, ACT teams, or individual identified as being frequent users of ERs, Psychiatric Hospitals, Crisis Stabilization Units, and the criminal justice system.
• Case management experience.
• Experience working in a high stressed, fast-paced environment with a very emotionally and physically changing population.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to multi-task and manage time.
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English & Spanish (Bilingual)

Requirements/Competencies:

• Positions require the ability to do any of the following at any given time including but not limited to: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions
• Staff may be subjected to odors, dust, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises and travel.
• This position may require on call assignments, or working weekends, holidays, 10-hour, 12-hour, and rotating shifts.
• Schedule is based on Law Enforcement Agency Needs can include on call after hour weekend coverage.
• Must be comfortable with Law Enforcement and riding in a police car
• Must be aware and comfortable in a police environment
• Must be able to work in crises situations
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds.
• Requires long periods of sitting/standing.
• Must have valid Georgia driver’s license and Motor Vehicle Record in accordance with company policy.
• Candidates for selection must pass a criminal background check (including fingerprinting).
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and subject to random drug screens.
• Any combination of training and experience, which would have enabled the applicant to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities Note: Some positions may require a valid driver's license.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits (for qualified employees):

• State Health Benefits Package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, long-term care, legal services, flexible spending accounts)
• Paid New Hire Training
• Company contributes additional 7.5% of salary to 401(a) Retirement Plan
• No employee deduction for Social Security
• Additional benefits such as legal services, Employee Assistance Program and discounted tickets to attractions, shopping, technology, and travel
• Supervision, training, and continuing education opportunities available

View Point Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer:  View Point Health recruits qualified candidates for positions in View Point Health programs throughout its service area. It is the policy of View Point Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.