Peer Support Specialist

Under the direction of the Clinical Coordinator, the Peer Support Specialist provides individual and group peer support services to program participants and families, including assistance with more effectively utilizing the service delivery system, understanding and coping with stressors, coaching, role modeling and mentoring. The position provides recovery-oriented peer services as part of a multidisciplinary team to support individuals in having a voice and a choice, connecting them with community resources and services, engaging family members to strengthen natural supports, stabilizing psychiatric symptoms, and developing a clear path to recovery. These services may be provided to a person, group or family and are aimed at assisting in the creation of skills to promote long-term, sustainable recovery. This position assists the team and member to maximize and enhance member experience and choice, self-determination and decision-making in the planning and coordination of services. This position is committed to meeting the members where they are and providing services in the community, at their place of employment, and at home as appropriate.

Hourly Pay Rate Range: $21.34 - $31.48

Qualifications

Education

• Requires a high school diploma or GED

Experience

• Requires prior personal or professional experience working with adults with a serious mental illness that demonstrates an understanding of the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code R9-10-306 CHAPTER 10 of the Dept. of Health Services, personnel must be at least 21 years of age, or at least 18 years of age and licensed or certified under A.R.S. Title 32, and providing services within the personnel member’s scope of practice.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Specialized Training

• Requires certification as a Peer Support Specialist obtained through an ADHS/DBHS approved Peer Support Employment Training program.

Certification/Licensure

• Requires possession of, and ability to retain, a current, valid AZ-issued driver's license in good standing, and must carry the AZ legally required minimum insurance coverage on a personal vehicle at all times.
• Must obtain a fingerprint card as defined in Arizona Statute (A.R.S.) 36-425.03 and state licensing rule R9-10-1011(A)(4) within 90 days of employment.
• Requires BLS. A BLS card obtained through an approved American Heart Association (AHA) training center is preferred and will be required within 3 months.
• This position requires operation of a vehicle. Employment is contingent upon meeting the driving eligibility standards outlined in the Valleywise Health Vehicle Use Policy (VUP).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have a working knowledge of peer and family support services for individuals with serious mental illness.
• Requires the ability to relate knowledge to others about the behavioral health system and services.
• Must be able to self-identify as a person in recovery.
• Requires home and community visits and knowledge of service needs and entitlement and community resources.
• Requires the ability to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings and on-call rotation.
• Requires the ability to have a reliable form of transportation to travel throughout the community with transportation of program participants as needed.
• Must have good verbal and interpersonal skills to interact with clients, visitors, and coworkers.
• Requires the ability to maintain highly confidential information, including a working knowledge of HIPAA.
• Must have the ability to work independently and seek supervision appropriately.
• Requires the ability to work cooperatively with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Requires the ability to read, write and speak effectively in English.