Peer Specialist

At Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center our vision is to empower people, foster hope,
support choice, and celebrate success.

**HILL COUNTRY MHDD CENTERS IS OFFERING A $4,000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR ALL FULL-TIME, NEW HIRE EMPLOYEES**

Help us help others:

A Peer Specialist is someone with their own lived experience with mental health challenges who is far enough along in their recovery to work in a professional environment and walk alongside others as they navigate their recovery journey.

Candidates must be willing and able to:

• Share their recovery story with incoming and current clientele as a way of inspiring HOPE that people can and do recover from the life disruptions often associated with mental health challenges.

• Provide practical, real-world support in coping with life’s day to day demands through modeling and coaching approaches to mental health recovery.

** A Current Certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist is Preferred, but not required **

• Hill Country MHDD Centers will pay for the Mental Health Peer Specialist certification training ($650) for a candidate that comes to the table with a working knowledge of what peer support is and is not.

A qualified candidate will recognize Peer Support as a profession as well as an ongoing effort to promote change within the system of care by advocating for person-centered care and honoring the voice and choice of service participants.

• To learn more please complete the online self-assessment and orientation then fill out and save the attestation that you have completed the self-assessment and orientation and upload along with your resume.

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/behavioral-health-services-providers/peer-support-services/certification-peer-support-a-medicaid-benefit

You will get to:

• Promote the value of self-help, peer support and personal empowerment to foster recovery.
• Coach individuals in positive skill-building techniques for improved life management (e.g., problem solving, identifying, and overcoming fears and negative self-talk).
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
• Organize, plan, and facilitate peer support groups.
• Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all individuals served.
• Look for growth opportunities in the system of care, and voice growth and development ideas to supervisor to continuously improve services provided through peer support.
• Develop meaningful, innovative group engagement activities, based on the needs of the individuals of the group; with a “Whole Health” approach.
• Manage schedule to keep individuals served informed and updated on activities.
• Assist with outreach.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
• Organize, plan, and facilitate, peer support groups
• Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all individuals served
• Look for growth opportunities in the system of care, and voice growth and development ideas to supervisor to continuously improve services provided through peer support.
• Manage schedule to keep individuals served informed and updated on activities.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
• Remains active and stable in one’s own recovery to model and demonstrate progress toward mental health goals.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation that meets or exceeds Department of State Health Services (DSHS) standards, and Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) standards
• Utilizes Collaborative Documentation and all documentation entered within 24 hours
• Track referrals, and provide follow-up on individuals who are released from the Crisis Stabilization Unit within 1-2 days.
• Comply with HIPAA and Protected Health Information (PHI)/Personally Identifiable Information (PII) policies/rules/laws/regulations to ensure confidentiality of all client information
• Comply with all HCMHDDC policies, and procedures; including the completion of all required training
• Ensures timely communication within the department and with other departments and agencies via written correspondence, email, telephones and other means to ensure project follow through and completion
• Value and respect every individual’s recovery experience
• Engage individuals in services in the progression of person-centered recovery goals/objectives
• Provide face to face service hours to reach or exceed performance goals
• Schedule one to one appointments. This may include home visits or in the community.
• Must be eager to promote the peer support program. This included engaging individuals in existing services or new to services into the peer support program; this may include introductory calls (cold calls), greeting individuals waiting for services (in waiting areas), presenting information in a public setting, etc.
• Provide timely notice to individuals served, and supervisor, clinic director, and other necessary team members on changes to group schedules, appointments, etc.
• Maintains staff kept appointment rate above 80%.
• Maintains a Peer List (Caseload) on spreadsheet provided by Director of Peer Support.
• Maintains a minimum of 25 scheduled appointments on a given week.
• Responsible for documenting and entering all appointments, including missed appointments within 24 hours.
• Supervisor lead Progress Note Audit scores of 85 or above (quarterly).
• Evidence of collaborative documentation.
• A valid driver’s license, and insurance is required as routine driving and/or transportation is required.
• A willingness to share your personal experience of mental health recovery is essential.
• Develop meaningful, innovative and impactful group engagement activities, based on the needs of the individuals of the group; with a “Whole Health” approach.

You’ll definitely need:

• To be far enough along in your own recovery journey to walk alongside others on their journey.
• Computer skills to utilize our Electronic Health Record to submit timely and accurate documentation.
• To successfully complete and maintain PMAB and CPR certification.
• A High School Diploma/GED
• A valid Texas driver’s license and current automobile insurance.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred, but not required.

We’ll also want you to:

• Employ excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage and report effectively.
• Maintain a well-organized schedule and travel as necessary to ensure completion of duties.
• Maintain accurate and timely collaborative documentation with adherence to HIPPA regulations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and collaborate with youth and families served to develop treatment planning.
• Adapt approach to meet all types of communication styles and personalities while effectively implementing solutions that work.
• Employ excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage, instruct, and manage teams and collaborate with individuals and families. Review team documentation.
• Maintain a well-organized schedule while allowing room for flexibility and adjustments with up to 25% travel.
• Sustain a calm demeanor when under pressure to handle sometimes difficult situations.
• Provide exemplary customer service and care to individuals with their best interest at heart.
• Work autonomously to complete assignments within community and HHSC standards with a high level of quality.
• Work cooperatively with others and be punctual and consistent in attendance because your people will rely on you!

We’re excited to provide:

• PPO health insurance plan, with option to add dependents.
• PPO dental plans and vision insurance options for healthy teeth and eyes.
• Employer paid life insurance.
• 401(a) plan, employer matches your contributions dollar for dollar for up to 8% of your salary.  You are 100% vested after 3 years of service.
• 457/403(b) plan, employees are immediately eligible to contribute pre-tax earnings.
• Generous paid time off for fun and vacations and paid sick time for when you’re under the weather.
• Authentic and caring environment where folks care about each other.

We can pay you:

$17.91 per hour plus good karma for doing good in the world.