Peer Support Specialist (Comal County MH Center)

At Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center, our vision is to empower people, foster hope,
support choice, and celebrate success.

Help us help others:

A Peer Specialist is someone with their own lived experience with mental health challenges who is far enough along in their recovery to work in a professional environment and walk alongside others as they navigate their recovery journey.

Candidates must be willing and able to:

•  Share their recovery story with incoming and current clientele as a way of inspiring HOPE that people can and do recover from the life disruptions often associated with mental health challenges.

• Provide practical, real-world support in coping with life’s day to day demands through modeling and coaching approaches to mental health recovery. 

** A Current Certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist is Preferred, but not required **

• Hill Country MHDD Centers will pay for the Mental Health Peer Specialist certification training ($650) for a candidate that comes to the table with a working knowledge of what peer support is and is not.

A qualified candidate will recognize Peer Support as a profession as well as an ongoing effort to promote change within the system of care by advocating for person-centered care and honoring the voice and choice of service participants.

• To learn more please complete the online self-assessment and orientation then fill out and save the attestation that you have completed the self-assessment and orientation and upload along with your resume.

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/behavioral-health-services-providers/peer-support-services/certification-peer-support-a-medicaid-benefit

You will get to:

• Promote the value of self-help, peer support and personal empowerment to foster recovery.
• Coach individuals in positive skill-building techniques for improved life management (e.g., problem solving, identifying, and overcoming fears and negative self-talk).
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
• Organize, plan, and facilitate peer support groups.
• Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all individuals served.
• Look for growth opportunities in the system of care, and voice growth and development ideas to supervisor to continuously improve services provided through peer support.
• Develop meaningful, innovative group engagement activities, based on the needs of the individuals of the group; with a “Whole Health” approach.
• Manage schedule to keep individuals served informed and updated on activities.
• Assist with outreach.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
• Organize, plan, and facilitate, peer support groups
• Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all individuals served
• Look for growth opportunities in the system of care, and voice growth and development ideas to supervisor to continuously improve services provided through peer support.
• Manage schedule to keep individuals served informed and updated on activities.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies. 
• Remains active and stable in one’s own recovery to model and demonstrate progress toward mental health goals. 
• Maintains comprehensive documentation that meets or exceeds Department of State Health Services (DSHS) standards, and Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) standards
• Utilizes Collaborative Documentation and all documentation entered within 24 hours
• Track referrals, and provide follow-up on individuals who are released from the Crisis Stabilization Unit within 1-2 days.
• Comply with HIPAA and Protected Health Information (PHI)/Personally Identifiable Information (PII) policies/rules/laws/regulations to ensure confidentiality of all client information
• Comply with all HCMHDDC policies, and procedures; including the completion of all required training
• Ensures timely communication within the department and with other departments and agencies via written correspondence, email, telephones and other means to ensure project follow through and completion
• Value and respect every individual’s recovery experience
• Engage individuals in services in the progression of person-centered recovery goals/objectives
• Provide face to face service hours to reach or exceed performance goals
• Schedule one to one appointments. This may include home visits or in the community.
• Must be eager to promote the peer support program.  This included engaging individuals in existing services or new to services into the peer support program; this may include introductory calls (cold calls), greeting individuals waiting for services (in waiting areas), presenting information in a public setting, etc. 
• Provide timely notice to individuals served, and supervisor, clinic director, and other necessary team members on changes to group schedules, appointments, etc. 
• Maintains staff kept appointment rate above 80%.
• Maintains a Peer List (Caseload) on spreadsheet provided by Director of Peer Support.
• Maintains a minimum of 25 scheduled appointments on a given week.
• Responsible for documenting and entering all appointments, including missed appointments within 24 hours.
• Supervisor lead Progress Note Audit scores of 85 or above (quarterly).
• Evidence of collaborative documentation.
• A valid driver’s license, and insurance is required as routine driving and/or transportation is required.
• A willingness to share your personal experience of mental health recovery is essential.
• Develop meaningful, innovative and impactful group engagement activities, based on the needs of the individuals of the group; with a “Whole Health” approach.

You’ll definitely need:

• To be far enough along in your own recovery journey to walk alongside others on their journey.
• Computer skills to utilize our Electronic Health Record to submit timely and accurate documentation.
• To successfully complete and maintain PMAB and CPR certification.
• A High School Diploma/GED
• A valid Texas driver’s license and current automobile insurance.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred, but not required.

We’ll also want you to:

• Employ excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage and report effectively.
• Maintain a well-organized schedule and travel as necessary to ensure completion of duties.
• Maintain accurate and timely collaborative documentation with adherence to HIPAA regulations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and collaborate with youth and families served to develop treatment planning.
• Adapt approach to meet all types of communication styles and personalities while effectively implementing solutions that work.
• Employ excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage, instruct, and manage teams and collaborate with individuals and families. Review team documentation.
• Maintain a well-organized schedule while allowing room for flexibility and adjustments with up to 25% travel.
• Sustain a calm demeanor when under pressure to handle sometimes difficult situations.
• Provide exemplary customer service and care to individuals with their best interests at heart.
• Work autonomously to complete assignments within community and HHSC standards with a high level of quality. 
• Work cooperatively with others and be punctual and consistent in attendance because your people will rely on you!

We’re excited to provide:

• PPO health insurance plan, with option to add dependents.
• PPO dental plans and vision insurance options for healthy teeth and eyes.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• 401(a) plan, employer matches your contributions dollar for dollar for up to 8% of your salary. You are 100% vested after 3 years of service.
• 457/403(b) plan, employees are immediately eligible to contribute pre-tax earnings.
• Generous paid time off for fun and vacations, and paid sick time for when you’re under the weather.
• An authentic and caring environment where folks care about each other.

We can pay you:

$15.52 per hour plus good karma for doing good in the world.