Drop-In and Outreach Peer Support Specialist

JOIN OUR TEAM!

We are looking for a Drop-In and Outreach Peer Support Specialist to join our team. The Peer Support Specialist will provide networking, support and connection to care coordination services for those with behavioral health needs. They will provide crisis resolution, self-help, advocacy, care coordination, and housing, education, and socialization assistance. They will also make referrals for psychiatric, nursing care and other services as needed. Provide outreach services, including but not limited to local behavioral health units in hospital settings, to establish and provide a warm hand-off to link persons with appropriate resources and services for continuity of care.

POSITION FUNCTIONS:

• Teach and role model the value of the recovery experience.
• Develop a supportive and positive relationship.
• Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups.
• Model effective coping skills and self-help strategies.
• Assess and make referrals for other services as needed.
• Assist with data collection as needed.
• Complete documentation for support services.
• Facilitate groups as needed.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with VF, NAMI and other programs and community providers and agencies.
• Assist in identifying local support groups.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• High School Diploma preferred
• Ability to attend and successfully graduate from Peer Support training approved by Iowa''s managed care provider and receive certification within 1 year of hire date.
• Must be able to attend and graduate from NAMI''s 2 day certification training to lead "Connections Peer Recovery Support Groups".

Skills and Experience Preferred:

• Current/past personal experience as a consumer of mental health services; has worked on their own recovery and can share those experiences with others.
• Good working knowledge of mental health services, community resources and how to access these resources.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Utilize good self-direction and self-motivational skills.

Other Requirements:

• Must carry a valid driver''s license and have current automobile insurance in accordance with Vera French policy.
• All Vera French employees that transport a Vera French client in his/her personal vehicle must also have a D-3 Chauffeur''s License.
• Ability to pass pre-employment physical, drug, and alcohol screening

Trainings

• Ongoing in-house trainings (CPR, Medication Management & more)
• Access to online learning courses
• Tuition Reimbursement & Loan Repayment Program (eligible after one year)
• Professional development opportunities to expand your clinical expertise

What We Offer

• Group Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)

• Delta Dental & Vision Insurance

• Employer-paid Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability (Mutual of Omaha)

• Supplemental Life & Short-Term Disability options

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• 3% employer contribution (vested day one)

• 25% match on employee contributions up to 6%

• Paid Time Off

• 9 paid holidays

• 9 paid sick days

• 2 weeks vacation

• 1 Vera French Day

NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO REQUIRE A MEDICAL EXAMINATION

I hereby certify that, if hired, I will disclose any limitations I have that may impact my ability to do the job. I understand that I may also be required to undergo a pre-employment or post-employment medical exam by the VFCMHC'' designated health practitioner.

NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO CONTACT REFERENCES AND CONDUCT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

I understand that I may be subject to a background check, and hereby authorize Vera French Community Mental Health Center, or any of its affiliates, to investigate my background to determine any and all information of concern as to my record, whether the same is of record or not, and I release employers and persons named in my application from all liability for any damages on account of his/her furnishing said information.

Additionally, you are hereby authorized to make any investigation of my personal history, educational background, military record,

motor vehicle records, criminal records, and credit history through an investigative or credit agency or bureau of your choice. I

authorize the release of this information by the appropriate agencies to the investigating service. I authorize and give permission for

the individuals listed as references to provide written information and/or verbally discuss my background with Vera French

Community Mental Health Center, or any of its affiliates.

This authorization, in original or copy form, shall be valid for this and any future reports and updates that may be required.

I understand that passing the background check is a condition of employment. A negative background check can be grounds for

dismissal, even if an offer has been made to me and I have been hired.