Stationed in the ED - Evening (Saturday, Sunday 12pm - 12:30 AM required)  

As a Peer Support Specialist, the incumbent will play a critical role in supporting patients through their recovery process. Work will be grounded in the personal experience of recovery, offering hope and guidance as a testament to the possibility of a thriving life at various stages in recovery. The primary goal will be to aid patients in creating and implementing wellness recovery plans, and to serve as an advocate and resource connector. This position requires a balance of compassion and practical skill to support individuals on their path to health and wellness across various settings, (e.g. emergency department, addiction medicine clinic, the community, etc.).

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

Proven ability to share your specific recovery journey to inspire and assist others. Demonstrated punctuality and the ability to follow directions effectively. Strong team dynamic and collaboration skills. Demonstrated communication abilities and computer literacy. Experience managing a caseload and working directly with clients in a support capacity. Familiarity with community outreach and the ability to establish reciprocal referral networks. Commitment to ongoing professional development including de-escalation, suicide intervention, and trauma-engaged care.

EDUCATION: High school diploma, HiSET or GED equivalent required; further education in a related field preferred. Completion of a Montana Board of Behavioral Health approved training for Peer Support Specialists required. Ongoing annual continuing education required  (20 CEUs/year).

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY:

Certification as a Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist (C-BHPSS) in Montana required, or ability to attain state certification within 6 months from date of hire.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports Patient Recovery Goals- The incumbent will:

Assist in the orientation process for persons who are new to receiving mental health and/or addiction disorders services.  Develop wellness recovery plans with patients and providers that include health management goals.  Engage patients to achieve health management goals through the use of recovery coaching, motivational interviewing, and problem-solving techniques.  Build recovery capital through recovery coaching (individual and/or group), advocacy training, providing recovery information, and mobilizing resources. Assist patients in scheduling appointments and accessing community resources.  Arrange for or directly provide patient transportation to recovery and wellness service appointments.  Accompany patients as indicated to recovery and wellness service appointments.  Follow up with patients via phone calls, home visits, and visits to other settings where patients can be found.  Share personal recovery experiences and develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships.  Keep accurate and timely documentation.

 

Support Community Integration of Patient: The incumbent will:

Work with facilities to help transition patients after discharge to a safe home environment.  Work with patients to provide effective and efficient service coordination.  Work with social service agencies to arrange and meet other participant needs (e.g. housing, food, clothing, financial assistance, etc.).  Proactively follow up with patients to ensure they are making a successful transition to community integration and is continuing their progress toward recovery goals.  Continuously expand knowledge of community resources, services and programs available to patients and build ongoing relationships with these organizations to advocate for people

 

Improve Organizational Service Delivery: The incumbent will

Keep treatment team informed about individual’s strengths, accomplishments, and obstacles in relation to their recovery goals.  Participate in focus groups, hiring committees, work groups, etc. to help shape policies and procedures that benefit program participants.  Adhere to all state and federal confidentiality standards Maintain certification as a Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist by following all Montana State rules and Montana Board of Behavioral Health regulations, including completion of annual continuing education requirements and attending clinical supervision.  Perform other duties as assigned.