Peer Support Specialist

at Northern Light Health in Portland, Maine, United States

Job Description

The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, such as differentials, incentive programs and benefits.Northern Light Acadia Hospital

Department: Behav Hlth Case Mgmt Program

Position is located: Mercy Baxter Boulevard

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Schedule: Variable

Summary:

The Peer Support – CIPSS is an individual who is receiving or has received services and supports related to the diagnosis of a mental illness/substance use disorder and is in recovery from that illness, who is willing to self-identify this history. This role supports our Behavioral Health Home program, working collaboratively with people served in the program and with BHH Behavioral Health Coordinators and Nurse Care managers. Applicants will complete Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist certifications within the first 9 months of employment.

Responsibilities:

+ Maintains Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist Certification through compliance with state standards and requirements.

+ Understands, and adheres to clinical policies and yearly updates in Basics of Self Protection and Health Stream trainings.

+ Demonstrates the ability to engage others in supportive conversation and has excellent customer service skills.

+ Introduces self and shares history as a recipient of services to people entering treatment and seeks opportunities to contribute to the organization’s welcoming culture.

+ Provides emotional support, advocacy support, practice and education pertaining to needs of clients on caseload.

+ Maintains visibility in the program and with clients in the programs.

+ Has a working knowledge of hospital treatment programs and locations.

+ Be committed to the mission, vision and values of Northern Light Health.

+ Has a working knowledge and understands how to access social services agencies in surrounding areas.

+ Arrives on time for scheduled activities and workday.

+ Communicates personal needs to supervisor for time off or schedule changes with reasonable advanced notice.

+ Wears appropriate attire and grooming.

+ Collaborates with other staff to achieve desired treatment outcomes.

+ Provides care relevant to the patient centered plan.

+ Ability to take direction from others; exhibit appropriate therapeutic affect and behavior; ask questions for clarification’ requests feedback regarding performance with clients and peers.

+ Attends scheduled staff and supervisory meetings.

+ Plans and facilitates peer run group focusing on mental health and medical wellness.

+ Understands and can emotionally support clients through multiple systems to include educational, mental health and judicial.

+ Guarantees the confidentiality of all information accessed regarding client’s care.

+ Maintains a professional manner when making professional contacts and inquiries.

+ Ensures that all work assigned is completed in an accurate, professional and timely manner.

+ Maintains required peer caseload as determined by program.

+ Utilizes supervision appropriately and proactively, including risk management issues.

+ Collaborates with members of multi-disciplinary team effectively. Ability to work flexibly with the entire team’s caseload as indicated.

+ Documents all necessary clinical notes within a 24-hour period.

+ If applicable, maintains a clean driving record, notifies supervisor immediately of any problems with driver status and auto insurance coverage (Must Carry 100/300).

+ Documents within the medical record.

+ Collaborates with all BHH team members involved in the plan of care.

+ Presents cases in a concise, accurate manner – both verbally and in writing.

+ Effectively identifies client crisis situations and intervenes efficiently and effectively.

+ Closely tracks progress of caseload, continuously reprioritizes activities and intervenes at key points to assist patient towards goals.

+ Maintains and abides by ethical standards set forth by the facility and state licensure.

+ Has the ability to form mutual professional relationships with others and support them on their journey of recovery.

+ Supports clients and family utilizing appropriate referrals and resources including the Behavioral Health Home and primary care services. – Assist in making a work environment free from recognized hazards that create a risk or injury to employees, patients or visitors and that all accidents and incidents are reported by employees and properly investigated. When appropriate, assist with the return of all workers with work related injuries and illnesses to gainful employment.

+ Other duties as assigned.

Other Information:

+ Strong communication skills with exceptional skills in compassionate responses and the ability to instill hope.

+ Emotional regulation skills for self and supporting this in others due to our highly acute population.

+ Organization skills to manage busy schedule and medical record charting.

+ Applicants will complete Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist certification within the first 9 months of employment.

+ This is a hybrid position that includes both telehealth and in person community-based working environments.

Competencies and Skills

+ Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.

+ Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one’s behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.

+ Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization’s benefit.

+ Develops Self and Others:Takes responsibility for engaging in professional self-development activities and programs. Strives to gain insight into their own values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and takes action in order to enhance competencies and skills when possible. As a leader, encourages and guides employees towards growth opportunities to enhance performance and help them reach goals. Reviews and analyzes employees’ strengths and weaknesses to distinguish their talents and development needs, and to ensure they are enhanced appropriately.

+ Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences’ level.

+ Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly