Peer Specialist (Peer Support) at Highland Rivers Health in Ellijay, Georgia

Job Description:

There is a place for you at Highland Rivers Behavioral Health!Highland Rivers Behavioral Health provides treatment and recovery services to individuals impacted by mental illness, substance use disorders and intellectual developmental disabilities.JOB SUMMARY:The Peer Specialist is an active member of the team and provides peer support services to individuals with serious mental illnesses. The Peer Specialist is responsible for the implementation of peer support services, which are Medicaid reimbursable under Georgia's Rehab Option. Responsibilities include:

• Active in Treatment Team to bring the perspective of the "lived experience" to the team; advises and educates staff as needed.


• Assist individuals in articulating personal goals for recovery and group sessions. Support individuals in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals


• Assist individuals in working with their case manager or treatment team in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve these goals and self-directed recovery.


• Assist individuals in setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups, as well as means of locating and joining existing groups.


• Independently or with periodic assistance of higher graded treatment team members, utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups; discussions will be utilized where clients will share common problems in daily living and methods they have employed to manage and cope with these problems.


• Provides support during in clinic crises. Is present with the individual in crisis to assist in de-escalating the crisis and supporting the individual. In the event of a 1013/2013, supports the staff and individual through the process. If applicable, will reach out to the individual's support system. Completes the Non-Serious Incident Report following each incident and submits it to the Consumer Advocate within 24 hours.


• Is available to handle crisis telephone calls, information seeking (about our services) telephone calls and follow up engagement/outreach telephone calls.


• Other duties as assigned.