Peer Support Specialist-DCI

This is a staff level position providing advocacy, support, and outreach services to adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI).  The person in this position works independently as well as function as a member of the treatment team. The CPSS will work with consumers focusing on recovery and wellness in the areas to include, but are not limited to housing, substance abuse, ACT services, employment, and health and wellness.  They may also function as a member of specific teams, i.e. the Customer Support and RN teams.  The person in this position will share their personal story of recovery.  This person will report to and work under the supervision of the assigned Program Supervisor/Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Consumer and Family Support

• Provide direct services, advocacy, crisis intervention, and recovery-focused support to consumers and families.
• Advocate for consumers by educating them, connecting them with resources, and supporting coping skills that promote stability and community living.
• Share personal recovery experiences, when appropriate, to offer hope, respect, optimism, and confidence.
• Assist consumers in gaining insight into mental illness and recovery through the lens of personal experience.

Planning, Recovery, and Community Services

• Participate in the Person-Centered Planning and Treatment Planning processes, including assisting consumers with wellness recovery and relapse prevention plans.
• Provide recovery-oriented activities, including transportation, vocational or housing assistance, community support, referral and linkage, and individual or group sessions as needed.
• Teach consumers how to communicate more effectively with providers so treatment plans reflect their wants and needs.
• Assist with entitlement benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, and other applicable applications.
• Support outreach efforts that help maintain consumer stability and medication compliance.

Documentation, Team Participation, and Compliance

• Obtain corroborating documentation and information related to eligibility qualifications.
• Provide input to the team, as needed, regarding mental illness, recovery, and peer support perspectives.
• Meet direct service productivity and documentation standards in accordance with program and agency guidelines.
• Participate in ACT/IDDT team meetings, peer support meetings, staff meetings, agency committees, and assigned projects.
• Participate in Peer Support Specialist trainings and meet agency productivity and performance standards.
• Adhere to MiSide policies and procedures, the MiSide Code of Ethics, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

EDUCATION

High School diploma/GED equivalent

EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness
• Significant experience in delivery of vocational or rehabilitation services
• Experience partnering with employers preferred

REQUIRED

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURES

• Must have or obtain state Certified Peer Support Specialist certification and maintain training requirements
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a private vehicle for day-to-day job performance

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work in a wide variety of non-office, community settings with consumers with chronic symptoms of mental illness to function in their community settings
• Ability to exercise appropriate independent judgments in field responses, as needed
• Ability to be creative and innovative in the performance of duties and responsibilities
• General knowledge of Northwest Detroit and surrounding areas and have knowledge of available community resources
• Demonstrate initiative, analytical skills, organization and attention to detail
• Ability to exercise conflict resolution measures
• Ability to function in a multi-disciplinary team setting
• Ability to relate to a diverse population which includes a variety of age, economic and educational backgrounds
• Comply with attendance and punctuality policies, as well as all other MiSide policies and procedures
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Work independently
• Demonstrate customer service focus, with the ability to relate and interact with all levels people

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Services will be provided in the office, or other appropriate community settings 
• Work may require vehicle travel in an urban community
• Must be able to tolerate varied weather conditions when traveling within the community

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sitting, standing, walking, driving, repeated hand and wrist motions (for use of computers, phones, and other office equipment) are required
• Vision must be suitable to read printed material and computer screen
• Hearing and speech must be sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone