JOB CODE: Program Facilitator - Peer

FLSA STATUS: Exempt EEOC CODE: Paraprofessional

JOB PURPOSE: Oversee and provides supervision to Peer Support Specialists who are providing services in the Center. Provides support information, referrals, follow-up, training in recovery information, and technical assistance to peers and provides general consultation to staff and rehabilitative case management teams. Maintains data indicating the number of referrals, resources, unmet needs of peers and barriers to obtaining services for all interested parties. Work under the general supervision of Director of Central Region with some latitude for independent judgment and decision-making.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Graduation from and accredited high school or GED. Requires an adult who has been diagnosed with a mental illness and has received at least one cumulative year of mental health services for a disorder that is treated in the target population for Texas (Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, or Major Depressive Disorder). Must hold certification as Texas Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS). Valid TX driver's license; prefer experience in advocating for themselves or others.

DEGREE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED (IF APPLICABLE): Certified Peer Specialist

DRIVING REQUIRED: Yes

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Good spelling and grammar skills.

• Ability to compose documents according to departmental and state standards.

• Must demonstrate excellent writing skills and demonstrated computer proficiency.

• Computer - skilled in the use of technology with Microsoft Office and all Google applications.

• Familiarity with community resources.

• Ability to build rapport with individuals and support systems.
  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS OR CONDITIONS (specify):

• May be required to interact with others 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.

• Travel may be required within the 4 county service area.

• Must complete all training requirements in month in which they are due.

• Availability of a personal vehicle for business use will be required.

• May be required to work hours outside of the M-F 8-5 framework.

• Work may take place within office setting, community setting, and nursing facilities within the residences of individuals.

• 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 personal/business visits to include walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing for periods of time if required.

Essential Tasks & Standards

1. Engages peers to attend peer support groups and provides consumers with material pertaining to mental health issues, education issues, recovery information, and other pertinent issues as evidence by review of progress notes as evidenced by supervisory review.
2. Trains peers in working collaboratively with professionals and in effective advocacy as evidenced by Director Review.
3. Provides individuals support, mentoring and education to peers as assigned. Completes contact logs and enters documentation into client electronic health record on a daily basis.
4. Models personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hopefulness via telling of your recovery story, how needs are respectfully met, and how a belief in themselves is maintained as evidenced by supervisory review.
5. Acts as a role model for competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills, as evidenced by supervisory review.
6. Provides support and feedback in the development of consumer's recovery plan to foster self-sufficiency as evidenced by supervisory review.
7. Coordinates with the consumer's clinical team and other supports to arrange services or resources to help achieve recovery goals, as evidenced by supervisory review.

Work Behaviors & Standards

1. 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.
2. Interacts with individuals in an emotionally supportive and/or therapeutic manner in order to provide an environment of caring, dignity, and respect.
3. Works harmoniously with fellow employees, supervisors, family, and friends of individuals 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.
4. Utilizes work time effectively to insure that all assignments are completed in a thorough and timely manner.
5. 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 and HHSC mandatory trainings current.
6. Adheres to Center policies and procedures and all applicable requirements and regulations of HHSC, CMS, Texas Administrative Codes, CARF, relevant contracts and all other applicable regulatory bodies.
7. Maintains confidentiality regarding individuals, records, personnel, and other sensitive and confidential information in order to comply with Center, state, and federal policy.
8. Conducts all aspects of employment in accordance with Center's Compliance Program.