"Place to Go" Peer Support Specialist

This position has multiple shifts available, including 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES & TASKS:

Lakes Region Mental Health Center is looking for a full-time Peer Support Specialist to join our Mobile Crisis Response Team Crisis Center.  The Peer Support Specialist develops meaningful and trusting relationships with patients, acts as a mentor, and gives patients the support they need to better advocate for themselves, based on their personal experiences. The Peer Support Specialist provides patients an example of what they can strive for in their recovery and works as part of an interdisciplinary team. Successful candidates will be organized self-starters who enjoy working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Candidates will utilize skills to divert individuals from emergency room care and hospitalizations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Ability to work as part of a supportive, multi-disciplinary team that utilizes a range of evidence-based treatment modalities to help individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders.
2. Uses own life experience to engage individuals in crisis, assist individual with engaging in services and supports, and development of an individualized recovery plan.
3. Plays an advocacy role that promotes self-care, illness self-management, and wellness and recovery.
4. Collaborate with outside agencies including hospitals, community-based agencies and first responders.
5. Completes documentation and participates in team meetings.
6. Performs other duties or special projects as required or as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

1. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, relevant degree preferred
2. Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment in routine, urgent, and emergent clinical situations
3. Lived experience with mental illness, and the ability to meet the essential requirements of the job is required.
4. Position requires a high level of professionalism and ethical behaviors
5. Ability to sensitively work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures is required.
6. Communicate effectively with peers, managers and support staff.
7. Maintain all documentation that is required in a complete and timely manner and comply with all HIPAA requirements.
8. Certification as a Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach are preferred.
9. A valid driver’s license and auto insurance.