Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

Overview

Contributes to excellent services for persons served by providing leadership in discrete service areas to a program in the areas of activities and recreation, dual disorders, housing, employment, or education.

Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

• Assist in implementing treatment programs, including PSTPs and clinical programs. May participate in treatment planning process.

• Provide discrete services to the program with a senior level of expertise in the areas of activities/recreation, dual disorders, employment or education.

• Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of the specialized services under the direction of the supervisor.

• Implement service plan interventions with persons served.

• Provide direct training and support (instruction, assistance, modeling, and reinforcement) for persons served in the specialized skill area (activities/recreation, dual disorders, employment, or education).

• Maintain and update documentation in individuals’ records, program log, and program records.

• Act as an advocate for persons served.

• Communicate verbally and in writing, with co-workers, supervisors, and other services providers and community resources.

• Provide shift coverage for the program, as necessary.

• Attend in-service trainings and staff meetings, as assigned. Assist with the orientation of new staff. Ensure compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies.

• Comply with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, worker’s compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.

• Perform other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices

• Knowledge and use of crisis intervention techniques

• Excellent organizational and writing skills

• Knowledge of documentation requirements and regulations

• Knowledge and use of different learning and communication styles

• Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills

• Knowledge of psychiatric or developmental disabilities and habilitation 

• Knowledge of empowerment, self-advocacy, and peer support techniques

• Knowledge of participatory planning techniques

• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity

• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment

• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues

• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources

• Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers

My Vinfen. My Community. My Job.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

One to three years’ job-specific experience in human services field.

Education Requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor’s degree required. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Driving Requirements:

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort:

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Required Certifications:

CPR required within two weeks of hire

First Aid required within two weeks of hire

MAP required within 150 days of hire

CPSS required

Required Credentials/Licenses:

N/R

Pay Range

USD $18.00 - USD $18.00 /Hr.