What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) position at Easterseals Louisiana?
DescriptionESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) has these core responsibilities
- Identify lifelong recovery goals for our participants enrolled in the Peer Support Program.
- Provide aid in treatment planning.
- Perform Life Skills coaching according to plan.
- Research, access, and link to appropriate medical, psychiatric, education, community resources and other social services as indicated by assessments and individual participant preferences.
- Facilitate recovery group sessions
- Conduct individual sessions
- Meet with the supervisor for regularly scheduled staff meetings and as assigned by the supervisor.
- Attend and actively participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and as assigned by the supervisor.
- Attend and actively participate in required training and other training as assigned by the supervisor.
- Provides needed assistance and fills in for other Peer Support SpecialistsREQUIRED SKILLS:The Peer Support Specialist is required to demonstrate a minimum of the following Required skills:A. Ensuring the delivery of services meets the standards of Peer Support.B. Capable of making referrals to appropriate medical, psychiatric, education, community resourcesand other social services agencies and/or providers in a timely manner to address identified needs.C. Documentation of and follow-up in a timely manner to ensure services are in place and appropriate.D. The establishment and maintenance of ongoing rapport with participants to assist participants in achieving recovery goals.E. Establishment and maintenance of ongoing rapport with referral sources, other community agencies and providers to coordinate services for participants.F. Empowerment and encouragement of participants to be active partners in recovery.G. Ensuring all participants are treated with respect and dignity; and ensuring their rights are preserved.H. Studying, learning, and presenting training to participants.I. Active participation in case reviews, team meetings, staff meetings and other training as required by funding source, policy, and supervisor.J. Communication with the Supervisor regarding any training or consultation needs related to service delivery, performance expectations or documentation requirements.K. Ensuring records, plans, forms, and other documentation are kept accurate and up to date.L. Ensuring all services provided are documented and appropriately signed and dated and in the appropriate location in the chart based on funding source, policy, and supervisor. -M. Production of documentation that reflects current services, interventions, participant engagement, progress towards goals and/or any challenges or barriers to achieving goals.N. Providing input and assistance to the Project Director in the preparation of reports, outcomes or other program specific data as requested.O. Working with the Peer Support Specialist team and the Supervisor to ensure maximum collaboration and coordination with other Easterseals Louisiana staff. e.g., administrative assistants, other project managers, service coordinators, program development staff, etc.P. Working collaboratively with the Supervisor and Project Director in evaluating program effectiveness and compliance within funding source requirements, policy compliance and program goals.Q. Providing feedback and suggestions in staff meetings to ensure open lines of communication and to utilize problem solving strategies.R. Participation in training activities and programs as required by funding source, policy, and supervisor.S. Participation in training for certifications particularly the completion of an approved Certified Peer Support Specialist training/certification and Family Support Training offered by the State of LA. Unless the employee already holds certification, the initial training and certification must occur within 30-days of hire.T. Complete at least 10 Continuing Education Units of training per year.II. COMPETENCIES:A. Problem Solving/Decision Making - Assess needs and consider the course of action to best meet those needs.B. Planning - Establish effective objectives, priorities, and implement plans; anticipate obstacles and consider alternatives.C. Coordination - Adjusting casework to coordinate efforts with other agencies to ensure consistency and adequate follow-up.D. Action Orientation - Take initiative rather than passively accepting; takes action and attempts to influence events to achieve goals.E. Work Commitment - Willingly commits extra effort and time to get a job done; identifies with organization goals; exhibits excellent time management abilities.F. Oral and Written Communication Skills - Ability to exhibit appropriate use of grammar and spelling in written communication, exhibit appropriate use of grammar in oral communication; ensure oral and written communication is professional.G. Team Playing - Work cooperatively with other Easterseals Support Coordinators/Supervisors.H. Building Relationships - Able to establish rapport with provider agencies and staff, Easterseals administrative and other program staff.I. Mission Advocacy - Ability to identify with project and Easterseals objectives; adequately, constructively, and directly communicate these objectives. We make a life of purpose and independence possible for our participants through our commitment to quality support, innovative service offerings, and continuous organizational evolution.RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS:
- Lived Experience - The PSS must have lived experience with a Behavioral Health diagnosis. A Behavioral Health diagnosis can include diagnosis with mental health challenges, addiction challenges, or co-occurring disorders.
- Primary Diagnosis - The PSS must have a primary diagnosis of mental illness and a strong desire to identify themselves as a person with mental illness. The primary diagnosis may not be a substance abuse disorder, although substance abuse disorder may be a secondary diagnosis.
- Educational Standards - PSS must have a minimum of a High School Diploma or a GED.
- Age Requirements - The PSS must be at least 18 years of age.
- Time in Recovery - PSS must have at least twelve (12) months demonstrated recovery as indicated by SAMHSA's working definition of recovery*.
- Certification - The PSS must be a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist OR may satisfactorily complete an approved Certified Peer Specialist and/or complete Family Support Training offered in the state within 30-days of the start date. PSS must obtain 10 Continuing Education Units per year to maintain certification.
- Additional Training - PSS must complete formal training in family support and/or peer support within 6 months of hire.*Recovery is defined as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a selfdirected life, and strive to reach their full potential.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS with or without reasonable accommodations:
- The employee is regularly required to communicate with others on the phone and in-person.
- The employee must be able to operate a computer, file, and retrieve written documents,
- The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, use hands, and lift and/or move lightweight items.
- Ability to move independently within the facility and community.WORKING CONDITIONS:Work is performed in the Peer Support Center which is environmentally controlled and accessible
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