Peer Support Specialist - Madison, United States - Dane County

Dane County

Verified Company

Madison, United States

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

The Dane County Department of Human Services has two (2) full time (1.0 FTE) vacancies for Peer Support Specialists. The Eligibility Lists created from these postings may be used for the next six (6) months.

Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal.

All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways.

Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

The Peer Support Specialist is an active member of the Behavioral Health Resource Center (BHRC) team, which connects Dane County residents with the behavioral health care they need.

The Peer Support Specialist is a professional with personal lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges The Peer Support Specialist uses their unique lived experience, training, certification in the peer specialist model of behavioral health-oriented peer support, and continuing education to support people with similar lived experience.

Peer support at the BHRC is transitional support typically lasting 4-6 months. The goal is to support the peer in the emotional and practical challenges of navigating the behavioral health system.

Under general supervision, the Peer Support Specialist will bring their lived experience and knowledge to inspire hope and recovery with a focus on peer empowerment, relationship, connection to resources, and community.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Working alongside BHRC case managers, support the recovery goals of peers seeking assistance from the BHRC when appropriate and requested; with the peer's permission, skillfully and intentionally share one's recovery story and use lived experience as a way of inspiring hope and supporting a person living with behavioral health concerns; assist peers to understand the purpose of peer support and the recovery process; support the peer's exploration of information and options regarding community and recovery-oriented resources; bridge gaps and delays in connecting with services; serve as a validating and non-judgmental resource to peers through active listening, authentic engagement, reassurance, and compassion; support peers in articulating personal goals for recovery and developing recovery plans; elevate the voice of peers in accessing services and supports; value self-determination as a guiding ethical principle which honors individuals for taking charge of their own lives; support peers, work collaboratively with other team members; provide active and back up phone peer consultation and drop-in support for BHRC consumers; document all calls, contacts, referrals and activities in database or record keeping system; coordinate and facilitate peer-led groups that promote wellness, independence, self-direction, and recovery; participate in community outreach activities to provide information and promote BHRC services as assigned; serve on workgroups and committees as assigned, perform other tasks as assigned.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Requires a high school diploma or GED, personal lived experience as a person with mental health, and/or substance use challenges, of receiving behavioral health services, and of being in personal recovery; a willingness to self-identify as a person with such lived-experience and to share that experience with peers AND one (1) or more years of experience (volunteer or professional), in a supportive, helping or human service capacity.

Also requires completion of WI State Certified Peer Specialist training prior to employment.

Certifications/Licenses:

Requires certification in the State of Wisconsin as a Peer Specialist within six months of employment.

Special Requirements:

Must have a valid driver's license, or access to reliable personal transportation or equivalent, which would allow for providing services in a variety of locations throughout Dane County.

Availability to occasionally work as required during nights, weekends, holidays, and special events in order to provide access to support services outside of regular working hours, and at a time that participating peers are available.

Background Check Statement:
Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s , Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record.

Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities.

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