Peer Specialist Part Time: Hourly Range: $14.15-15.47/hourly

JOB PURPOSE: Provides support information, referrals, follow-up, train in recovery information, and technical assistance to peers. Provides services that promote recovery in adults with mental health issues.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Requires an adult who has been diagnosed with a mental illness and has received at least one cumulative year of mental health service from or through the Department of State Health Services or a private provider. Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent. Prefer experience in advocating for themselves or others.

Degree And/Or Certification Required (if Applicable)

DRIVING REQUIRED: Yes

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Good spelling and grammar skills.
• Ability to write progress notes according to standards, assessments, brief mental status exams, memos, letters, various complex reports and miscellaneous other documents with acceptable spelling and grammar.
• Computer - skilled in the use of technology with Microsoft Office and all Google applications.
  
  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS OR CONDITIONS (specify)

• May be required to interact with other consumers, referral sources, outside agencies, and family members to determine needs and actions to be taken.
• Current State of Texas Driver License or if you live in another state, must be currently licensed in that state.
• Liability insurance required if employee will operate personal vehicle on Center property or for Center business. Must be insurable by Center's liability carrier if employee operates a Center vehicle or drives personal car on Center business.
• Availability of a personal vehicle for business use may be required.
• Work may take place within office setting, community setting and within the homes of clients, which may include shelters and temporary housing.
• Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test
• Must successfully pass all background screens as required by the state
• Ability to input data into computer, make calculations, complete paperwork, produce reports.
• Must be physically able to conduct home visits to include walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time if required.
  
  

Essential Tasks & Standards

• Encourages peers to attend peer support groups and provides consumers with materials pertaining to mental health issues, educational issues, and other educational recovery options as determined by supervisory review of documentation regarding meetings and other activities.
• Leads groups in the Hope Center Setting for educational purposes as assigned by supervisor.
• Trains peers in working collaboratively with professionals and in effective advocacy.
• Provides individual support, mentoring and education to peers as assistance is requested
• Provides support information, referrals, follow-up, and technical assistance to peers as requested.
• Provides general consultation to staff within Spindletop Center in advocating for recovery as requested.
• Provides educational groups on topics requested by the members of The Beaumont Hope Center.
• Completes documentation according to Policy and Program Standards.
  
  

Work Behaviors & Standards

• Attends work regularly and punctually in order to provide reliable and consistent coverage in area of responsibility. Arrives at designated time and departs according to schedule. Maintains a willingness to adjust schedule to meet the needs of the situation. Makes every attempt to pre-schedule absences and provide dependable coverage and service. Complies with Center policies regarding leave usage, absenteeism, and tardiness.
• Interacts with person served in an emotionally supportive and/or therapeutic manner in order to provide an environment of caring, dignity, and respect.
• Works harmoniously with fellow employees, supervisors, family, and friends of persons served, and the public in order to create an environment of caring, dignity and respect, and that allows for the accomplishment of the Center's mission.
• Utilizes work time effectively to insure that all assignments are completed in a thorough and timely manner.
• Abides by all Center policies and procedures regarding training objectives and requirements including those that relate to safety and infectious disease control. Will keep all Staff Development mandatory trainings current.
• Adheres to Center policies and procedures and all applicable requirements and regulations of HHSC, CMS, Texas Administrative Code, CARF, relevant contracts and all other applicable regulatory bodies.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding consumers, records, personnel, and other sensitive and confidential information in order to comply with Center, state, and federal policy.
• Conducts all aspects of employment in accordance with Center's Compliance Program.