Peer Specialist (Foley)

Overview

Adult Outpatient Programs provide the least restrictive level of care where adults may receive clinical interventions aimed at decreasing existing signs and symptoms. Outpatient treatment focuses on recovery, problem resolution, symptom reduction, stabilization and/or prevention of movement to a higher level of care. Treatment varies widely and depends upon the consumer’s presenting symptoms.

Responsibilities

• Promotes self-determination, recovery, self-advocacy, and self-direction; assisting individuals in identifying strengths; wellness goals; setting objectives and identifying barriers
• Conducts outreach to engage adults who are homeless and have a mental illness
• Assist consumers with accessing AltaPointe Health Systems Intake and follow up appointments.
• Assists consumers with transportation needs through linkage and/or teaching methods
• Transports consumers when appropriate and necessary.
• Offers short term support (2-4 months) to clients as they transition to new temporary or permanent housing situations while working on their mental health recovery goals.
• Becomes SOAR certified in an effort to assist homeless adults in applying for income and health care coverage such as SSI or SSDI.
• Offers hope and encouragement by serving as a role model in recovery.
• Effectively collaborates with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of case management services
• Makes multiple contacts to consumers per week as needed
• Collaborates with other local housing agencies to ensure that wrap around services are present, as necessary to develop a plan to end consumer’s current homelessness episode
• Assists with CCN referrals as needed and provided by Housing First
• Attends various area breakfasts, at least once weekly, in the morning to build rapport with the members of the target population
• Will go to at least two area shelters and/or camps in the afternoon weekly.
• Will document contacts, outreach and enrollments in HMIS program as per grant requirements
• Will document contacts, outreach and enrollments in both HMIS and Avatar to manage consumer contact

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be a current or former recipient of mental health services for no less than one year with a significant mental health disorder as defined by the DSM-V
• Must be well grounded in one’s own recovery; Be willing to share one’s own recovery story and have an awareness of the issues surrounding mental health, substance abuse and homelessness preferred
• Must have the ability to attend DMH Peer Specialist Training for Certification
• Must be 23 years of age or older;  have and maintain reliable transportation, a valid Alabama driver’s license, acceptable driving record and proof of current liability insurance