As a self-identified individual who has received mental health services, the Peer Support Specialist provides direct supportive mental health services to individuals in the community. Services provided focus on rehabilitation and recovery. Peer Support Services are designed to promote skills for coping with and managing psychiatric symptoms while facilitating the utilization of natural resources and the enhancement of community living skills. Mobile Peer Support Specialists provide intensive, goal directed services to support individuals who have a mental health crisis and substance use concerns that result in the need for crisis stabilization. The team works closely with all Horizons clinical staff and community partners to provide services at a higher level of intensity or frequency with the goal of stabilizing the client in the community setting. Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.This position will require crisis management response to 5 counties in our catchment area during the evening and nights. This position will work in tandem with a secondary response person as a teammate.

Essential Functions:

• Support crisis call triaging

• Provide direct supportive services to individuals struggling with mental health symptoms. 

• Assist clients in generating proactive solutions to barriers regarding their recovery.

• Conducts trauma-informed risk assessments as needed with the guidance of a Qualified Mental Health Professional to address safety concerns

• Collaborates with community partners, caregivers, family members, physicians and other treatment providers regularly until the crisis episode is complete

• Participates in care coordination services with providers to request and arrange services; coordinate and monitor services rendered.

• Schedule to include working 4 or 3 days per week with 3 or 4 days off at 12 hours per shift. Shift will include evenings, overnights and possibly weekends. FT position will be on site for the duration of their shift, while PRN position will be the same hours but on-call. PRN staff can be called in as needed for the duration of their on call hours. 

• Complete documentation in a timely and accurate manner. 

• Complete Trainings and attend meetings as directed

• Other job tasks as assigned by the supervisor, manager or director. 

Minimum Knowledge and Skills Required: 

• Strong organizational skills

• What does “Peer” Mean? This unique position requires that a Peer Support Specialist self identify as a present or former primary consumer of mental health services and per KDADS guidelines, establishes a minimum of one year in stable recovery. 

• Familiarity with Community Mental Health services 

Preferred Knowledge and Skills Required:

• N/A

Required Behavioral Skills:

• Integrity:

  • A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of honesty and the willingness to do the right thing

  • The ability to role model, inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals and values of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System

• Compassion: 

  • A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of caring that is reflected in a high level of empathy and customer service with all that we come in contact

  • Ability to manage conflict, consider other points of view, and offer alternative solutions without jeopardizing overall project direction and the ability to manage customer expectations.

• Accountability: 

  • Demonstrated track record of ownership of situations, projects and issues

  • Able to work autonomously and have a high degree of flexibility to adapt to changing projects, priorities and work volumes.

• Respect:

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse population

  • Treat all internal and external customers with a positive, proactive service orientation

• Excellence: 

  • Strong communication and presentation skills

  • Proven ability to think strategically but also must be able to lead day-to-day tactical processes

Minimum Education and Experience Required: 

• High School Diploma or equvilant 

• Must be 18 years of age and at least three years older than the youth.

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Two years’ experience working with adults and children in a health-related field. 

Required License/Registration/Certification:

• State trainings as identified 

• Valid Driver's License, insurance and dependable vehicle. 

References: 

• Kansas Department of Aging and Disability (KDADS) document “BHS Certification for Peer Support Specialist in Kansas.” 

We offer competitive pay, a generous benefit package and a reason to be proud of what you do, every day.