Description

Job Summary:

Utilizes and shares personal experience as a recipient of mental health services to benefit the team and its participants. Serves as a fully integrated team member to provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management and the persistence required by participants. 

Essential Duties:

• Provides peer counseling and consultation to participants, families and team staff.
• Acts as a liaison with community resources.
• Carries out rehabilitation and support functions.
• Assists in treatment, education, support and consultation to families.
• Participates in the In Reach Program with the coordinator at various personal care homes. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Experience working (either in a paid or volunteer position) with individuals with mental illness or similar populations (i.e. homeless, individuals with severe addictions).
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field; OR 
• At least 2 years paid or volunteer work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. 
• Valid KY Driver’s license and clean driving record to be insurable by agency liability insurance company. 
• Current CPR/First aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of beginning employment.
• Peer Specialist Certification strongly preferred or ability/willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Other Requirements:

• Must have been a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness with strong self-knowledge and sufficiently progressed in their own recovery in order to be able to effectively manage their mental illness. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
• Ability to work under pressure, to listen to participant’s concerns and recommend and/or take appropriate action. 
• Problem solving and conflict resolution/mediation skills.
• Commitment to the right and ability of persons with severe and persistent mental illness to live in a normal community residence, work in jobs and have access to adequate, competent and continuous supports and services. 
• Clear understanding of the characteristics and problems of adults with severe mental illnesses.
• Computer literate, including basic Microsoft word applications
• Strong team skills and a commitment to the ACT model and methods. 
• Knowledge about the ACT model. 
• Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in person and over the phone.