Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Specialist meets with consumers to appropriately engage, inspire and facilitate meaningful conversations with to help them to identify interests, needs, strengths, goals, dreams, and aspirations while offering encouragement and empowerment through shared experience to enhance their recovery and resilience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides a welcoming, calm, courteous presence.
2. Responds to individuals in crisis with high level engagement and de-escalation skills which support a least restrictive environment for individuals experiencing an emergency related to a mental health challenge.
3. Reviews social determinants of health and makes appropriate referrals to address needs and eliminate social barriers to recovery.
4. Provides peer support to consumers and their affected family members to navigate the mental health system and help the consumer build natural and family support.
5. Encourages consumers to develop coping skills and build and maintain community living skills as well as access community resources.
6. Supports consumers to find and retain employment, education, volunteer work and meaningful activities that promote purpose and engagement in the community.
7. Works as a part of a team alongside with the mental health clinicians and clinical staff.
8. Asks facilitative questions to help consumers gain insight into their own personal situations.
9. Empowers consumers to find solutions for problems and concerns they are facing.
10. Provides structure and support to promote personal progress and accountability.
11. Compiles and share resources for peers and other staff or supporters.
12. Facilitates peer-led programs such as support groups, recovery training and events.
13. Selectively uses self-disclosure to inspire and support.
14. Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE:

Peer Support Specialist - individual who:

• Has High school diploma or equivalent.
• Has Peer Support Specialist Certification, within one year of hire.
• WHAM certified or ability to become certified within 3 months of hire.
• Has lived experience who received mental health services from the public mental health system.
• Is willing and able to self-identify as a person who has or is receiving behavioral health services and is prepared to use that experience in helping others.
• Is trained in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) approved curriculum and training model.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE:

• Meets the requirements of a Certified Peer Support Specialist per MDHHS.
• Certified in Whole Health Action Management

Company Description

LifeWays Community Mental Health has provided behavioral health services to residents of Jackson and Hillsdale counties since 1966. We primarily serve county residents who have Medicaid, Healthy Michigan Plan, or are uninsured who also have a diagnosed severe mental illness, intellectual/developmental disability, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorders. A wide variety of behavioral health treatment options are available through our Provider Network of over 40 behavioral health providers located locally and throughout Michigan. Our Mission: LifeWays inspires hope and promotes life-enhancing recovery. Our Vision: We envision a fully integrated healthcare network that supports individuals in our community to reach their full potential. Our Values: We value exceptional service, person-centered care, innovation, integrity, strategic partnerships, and compassion. We Serve Jackson and Hillsdale County Residents: Adults with Mental Illness Persons with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability Persons with a Co-Occurring Disorder Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbances AND Medicaid Healthy Michigan Uninsured (on a case by case basis) Underinsured (on a case by case basis) If you would like more information about LifeWays, who we serve, and how we operate, please call our Customer Services department at 517.780.3332 or contact us through our Contact page at https://www.lifewayscmh.org/About-LifeWays