Certified Peer

Job Summary

The Certified Peer works as part of the Adult Mental Health Unit, which provides short term and long-term care and treatment for persons experiencing significant mental health/psychiatric symptoms. In addition, we serve those who are demonstrating significant functional impairments, and who may have co-occurring substance use disorders. Certified Peers are fully integrated team members who provide individualized and group services in the individuals residence and the community and promote person-served self-determination and decision making. Certified Peers also provide essential expertise and consultation to the entire team to promote a culture in which each person’s point of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation, and community self-help activities.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assesses strengths, challenges, resources, and goals (i.e., recovery capital) across multiple life domains.
• Creates goals and develops recovery plans to support clients as they transition to the community.
• Uses recovery-oriented practices such motivational interviewing.
• Provides peer support to those experiencing mental health symptoms.
• Provides quality program services to the individuals served in a professional manner.
• Completes required documentation according to program standards and timelines.
• Provides guidance, encouragement, education, and skill building around wellness planning, crisis planning, and self-advocacy to support the client’s recovery goals.
• Acts as a liaison between the clinical team and clients to ensure each clients needs and preferences are understood and honored whenever possible.
• Demonstrates leadership and advocacy skills and has a strong dedication to recovery.
• Provides services that help clients identify their strengths to reach their goals.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a high school diploma or GED and 2 years of supervised experience in the delivery of services to people with Mental Illness, DD, ID or TBI. Must have a current DHS certification as a Certified Peer Specialist OR Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities are required.

Preference given for post-secondary education in behavioral science or related field, background or experience working with individuals with a mental health diagnosis, ability to speak a second language, knowledge of and experience with person-centered strategies, demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively in cross-cultural settings, and previous experience working in an electronic health records system.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision from a Social Work Supervisor. The supervisor makes work assignments in the form of verbal and/or written instructions and work is performed according to established policies and procedures. The incumbent works with considerable independence and uses judgment in setting priorities, work sequences, and choice of procedures to follow. Work is reviewed by the supervisor for accuracy and adherence to established procedures.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge – Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work in the areas of the specific job. 
• Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies, and procedures. 
• Knowledge of professional ethics and boundaries. 
• Knowledge of data privacy practices to ensure that client and agency records meet statutory requirements. 
• Knowledge of community and other available resources. 
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as professional standards of practice, related to mental health case management, community support programming, and commitments.
• Ability to operate office equipment related to the job.
• Ability to conduct interviews. 
• Ability to provide strong directives in safety planning for adults with mental illness. 
• Strong communication ability and follow through skills to coordinate care services. 
• Mastery of common service delivery skills and the ability to train staff on skill development. 
• Ability to organize work efficiently and effectively and analyze complex case situations and evaluate potential for improvement. 
• Ability to assess and manage cases. 
• Ability to communicate effectively via written documentation, in person, or over the telephone. 
• Ability to be flexible in scheduling may be required to meet the service needs of the clients. 
• Ability to analyze complex case situations to evaluate the needs for support services. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions and determining when additional case review or action is needed. 
• Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions. 
• Ability to deal tactfully and efficiently with all levels of management, co-workers, and the general public. 
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion. 
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties. 
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and in the field in community-based settings. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple clients. One may be exposed to agitated, upset, aggressive, hostile individuals and clients; out of control children and pets; and unknown conditions in office, home-based and community settings. Evening and weekend hours may be required for accomplishing this work. 

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. This may also include assisting with the care needs of young children (e.g. diaper changes, feedings, etc.). Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files, equipment, and items related to client care necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board