Peer Support Specialist (172) at Kings View in Tulare, California

Job Description:

Kings View is a nonprofit leader in providing behavioral health services to the underserved community, is currently seeking a driven Peer Support Specialist to join our mission to provide compassionate services to those with limited resources. Our ideal candidate will have a passion to promote social justice and societal awareness, respect for human dignity, and lead with integrity while listening and responding to the community in need.

Peer Support Specialist (172)
Tulare, CA

The Peer Support Specialist - MCRT is part of the Mobile Crisis Response Team serving individuals of all ages experiencing mental health crisis. Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, the Peer Support Specialist responds to incoming calls and/or chats/texts (contacts) to various assigned crisis and community support lines. As an integral part of a treatment team, the Peer Support Specialist - MCRT responds to a broad range of non-life-threatening, mental health calls and situations without police or EMS personnel, acts as a liaison between treatment providers and the Person Served, is responsible for intake and needs assessment, arrangement and coordination of comprehensive services, referral to treatment and recovery services in the community, and advocacy for community member for purpose of continuity of care. Responsible for providing active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning to those experiencing crisis. The program operates 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. This position requires flexibility and shift work as assigned.

How will I contribute
Provide direct advocacy and support to consumers. Assist experienced staff in the development of consumer driven wellness and recovery plans. Complete all documentation within the identified time frame. Act as liaison between Person Served, their family and Mobile Crisis Response Team. Communicate pertinent information, both in writing and verbally to supervisor or Designee. Transport clients when approved by supervisor. Work closely with all members of the Mobile Crisis Response Team to help prevent re-hospitalization and to promote stabilization. Weekend and evening hours will be required to meet program needs. Maintain accurate, written clinical records of services provided per established agency, COA, HIPAA, CCBHC and CalAIMS standards. Complete documentation within established timeframes, including collecting appropriate signatures, registration forms, etc. Sign off, discharge per program plan. Develop and assist in the implementation of brief life skills coaching of individuals/s, linkage to wraparound services/resources, and compliance planning for no-shows for medication management services. Coordinate with community partners to identify and attend various outreach events. Achieve four hours of cultural competency training each fiscal year. Achieve advanced competence in using our electronic record keeping system. Includes but is not limited to the following: a. Use of SmartCare; b. Effective documentation of services provided; c. Competence in using assigned laptop at remote locations; d. Effective use of One Point, the electronic timecard system. Answer all contacts on assigned incoming lines, including but not limited to crisis and community support lines, with compassion and in accordance with the organizations training and scope. Collect and document contacts and all required data in an accurate and timely manner via data collection software program & additional helpline software. Offer any applicable resources and referrals to clients. Place outgoing and follow-up calls to designated programs as required. Apply crisis intervention tools and techniques and make appropriate connections to community safety net programs when needed. Evaluate consumer for the need of W & I 5150 Codes Evaluation Assist with placing rescue calls as needed for contacts requiring emergency assistance. Navigate multiple computer databases to locate and refer contacts to appropriate community resources. Regularly achieve a satisfactory or above rating for contacts monitored on assigned lines. Maintain and meet expectation rating for answer rates across all lines. Attend mandatory quarterly staff meetings and complete required trainings, workshops, and continuing education to remain knowledgeable about best practices, policies, and protocols. May encounter risk of working with persons with SMI (serious mental illness) that may include, but not limited to persons in mental health crisis, persons that may be intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol, persons who may be DTO (danger to others), DTS (Danger to Self), or GD (Gravely Disabled). If such situations arise, staff may be required to call local emergency personnel to help deescalate the crisis, use crisis intervention techniques, and consult with supervisor as soon as practically possible. Perform additional responsibilities as they develop and are assigned.

What I bring
High School Diploma (or Equivalent) Experience working with the public. Must be a current or past consumer of mental health services or a family member of a consumer if program requires Class C Driving License Ability to engage consumers and safely de-escalate situations by using specialized tactics, strength-based techniques and adequate and immediate linkage. Basic understanding and appreciation of wellness and recovery principles. Interest in obtaining the knowledge of the philosophy and goals of program assigned, common practices and procedures in wellness and recovery interaction with clients. Ability to take clear concise notes. Basic Computer Skills. Strong communication and compassionate listening skills. Ability to self-regulate and utilize calmness to manage crisis situations. Ability to engage consumers and safely de-escalate situations by using specialized tactics, strength-based techniques and adequate and immediate linkage. Effective data entry skills using various electronic systems while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the data. Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with person served family members and friends as well as other professionals linked to ongoing care and ability to maintain good case records, including documentation and safety planning. Critical thinking and problem solving with the Mobile Crisis Response Team to determine the best care plan for the person served. Ability to react appropriately to emergency situations. Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate as part of a team. Strong desire to help those in need. Understands the importance of empathy, cultural competency, and connection to help callers develop a plan to manage current and future crises. Function autonomously and exercise good judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in a crisis Crisis counseling/mental health experience; experience linking people with needed community resources. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

The Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance 401k plan Vacation time Twelve (12) Paid Holidays Education Reimbursement Program up to $1000 per year Referral Program Employee Assistance Program An environment of like-minded people reaching for the same goal Serving the underserved community A sense of purpose

Who We Are
Since 1951, Kings View leads the community in providing behavioral health services to the underserved population. We have a strong tradition of commitment, and we focus on serving rural communities where health resources are often limited. Our people treat the community with care and compassion. We stand by our cornerstone and philosophy of valuing each persons worth, dignity and wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Our principal core values echo throughout the organization and into our patient-focused programs. At Kings View we are dedicated to continuing our demonstration in the unparalleled commitment to wellness and recovery within each community we serve. Join us and apply today.