Peer Specialist - Team 260 - Rehab Services

EMPLOYMENT VALUE PROPOSITION: Mental Health Center of Denver provides you with the support you need to help you develop a career in helping others succeed. We innovate, adapt, and leverage the diverse perspectives of the people on our team and the people we serve in everything we do.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVENESS: The Mental Health Center of Denver values and is strengthened by diversity. We are committed to ending bias and discrimination in our community and ensuring equity within all aspects of our organization. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, transfer, or promotion opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Learn what it is like to work at the Mental Health Center of Denver:

STARTING SALARY: $14.80/hr. - $17.77/hr.

POSITION SUMMARY: Peer Specialists strive to help people reach their own goals and live healthy lives by supporting them in identifying strengths and abilities followed by assisting them in articulating, developing, and creating personal goals for recovery through one-to-one and group sessions. Peer Specialists support the therapeutic milieu and assist consumers in accessing therapeutic and ancillary services. Peer Specialists may work in one of the following programs/teams:

• Site Based Program
• Community Based Program
• Social Impact Bond Team
• Rental Assistance Program

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Orient persons to program and available services.
• Report clinical concerns and high-risk persons and safety issues as they occur to other program staff and supervisor. Follow clinical directions from other clinical staff and supervisor.
• Meet with persons to discuss disposition plans, personal safety plans and create an informal opportunity for persons to address the fears and concerns related to trauma and crisis.
• Work with program staff to develop and maintain resource directory available to persons served.
• Assist clinicians in developing and facilitating Skills Groups.
• Assist persons in obtaining services that suit the individuals recovery needs including community and natural supports in addition to organizational supports.
• Assist in arranging and providing transportation for appointments and services.
• Promote collaboration and sharing of resources for persons in the community: food, clothing, transportation, recreation, medical, insurances, housing, shelters and employment, as appropriate.
• Build on each persons identified strengths and teach people problem-solving techniques, how to identify and overcome fears and combat negative self-talk/self-stigma.
• Assist program staff in maintaining accurate documentation.
• Attend program team meetings and supervision as scheduled.
• Attend training as identified.
• Maintain a trauma informed environment of wellbeing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May be required to attend meetings at a variety of locations.
• May be required to transport people we serve in personal vehicle.
• Meets the requirements of applicable federal, state and organizational background checks

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent.

Certifications:

• Has upon hire a Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification or must obtain within 6 months of hire date.

EXPERIENCE: Personal lived experience with mental health issues and a preference of 1 year working experience in the mental health field and/or the social work or housing field.

Valid drivers license preferred and must maintain a good driving record while employed.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge or ability to learn and practice trauma informed principles and practices.
• Good communication skills, and ability to work with people from all walks of life.
• Ability to operate a computer and common software programs such as Microsoft suite, search Internet, data entry into various programs
• Good time management skills
• Consistent and reliable attendance
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: To assist with a variety of in the field activities, able to sit, stand, bend and reach, drive, operate standard office equipment such as phone, computer, facsimile, copier/printer, and other business machines. Household appliances and equipment. Occasional lifting up to 40 lbs.

MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT TO BE USED: motor vehicle, standard office equipment.