Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist Veterans Integration Centers Albuquerque, NM Job Details Full-time $38,000

• $45,000 a year 13 hours ago Benefits 403(b) matching Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Employee relationship building Suicide prevention techniques De-escalation techniques Windows Crisis intervention resource coordination High school diploma or GED Driver's License Driving Mental health support Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Productivity software Working with individuals with substance use disorders Working with individuals from underserved communities

Technical Proficiency Full Job Description SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Specialist for the Staff Sergeant Parker grant first and foremost uses their personal experiences to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with Veterans, acting as a mentor. As someone who successfully managed their own recovery and struggles, the Peer Support Specialist provides Veterans an example of what they can strive to achieve. They work to build a community of both Veterans and staff that are supportive and conducive to growth and collaborative problem-solving. They assist in the creation and implementation of social activities and help create a positive environment for each Veteran to develop effective networks of informal support groups that can last beyond their time in the program. Peer Support Specialists connect with various community organizations and resources to provide additional support for Veterans served by the Staff Sergeant Parker grant, particularly as they transition from transitional living and into permanent housing options. This can include assisting case management teams locating healthcare, housing, job assistance, and additional treatment services, as well as support in finding or re-integrating with friends, family, and outside communities. They are highly compassionate individuals who have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and can relate to the most difficult personalities. It is crucial to their role that they be capable of building trust and forming impactful relationships by using their first-hand experience to connect more deeply with the Veteran.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assist Veterans in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self

• advocacy for the Staff Sergeant Parker grant.

Assist Veterans in establishing and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups, as well as means of locating and joining existing groups in the community for those served by the Staff Sergeant Parker grant. Serve as a mentor and role model demonstrating competency in recovery, effective coping skills and self-help strategies for Veterans under the Staff Sergeant Parker grant. As a consumer advocate, provide consumer information and provide support for Veterans during emergencies as well as in outpatient, inpatient and mental health diversion settings relevant to the Staff Sergeant Parker grant. Utilize and teach problem solving techniques to Veterans; discussions will be utilized where clients will share common problems in daily living and methods they have employed to manage and cope. Ability to publicly acknowledge and share personal recovery experiences and provide support to other persons-in-recovery for the Staff Sergeant Parker grant. Establish and maintain professional relationships with clients, co-workers, supervisors, family members and the general public. Develop community service opportunities and job options for Veterans enrolled in programs under the Staff Sergeant Parker grant. Work independently, and as a team, to achieve programmatic goals and objectives for the Staff Sergeant Parker grant. Evening, weekends, and shift-work may be required (with advance notice). Perform other related duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or GED Three (3) or more years of experience working with vulnerable populations Personal experience relevant to the services provided. Proficiency using MS Office and Windows OS.

• Combination of education and experience may be substituted at discretion of hiring authority.

Preferred Skills College degree or equal combination of education and experience. Four (4) or more years' experience in community outreach with vulnerable populations. Training or certification in behavioral health challenges including mental illness, domestic violence, & addictive behaviors. State or national certification in Peer Support and/or Peer Recovery.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Client-Focused Conduct Attend formal and informal, in

• and out-of-state, training on mental health, crisis intervention, advocacy and other topics that enable you to perform your duties.

Show empathy when addressing client problems or issues. Judgment and Decision Making Evaluate conversations and determine eligibility for programs, needs, and services. Use ethical, honest and logical judgment when making recommendations for enrollment of Veterans or Families into VIC programs and services. Communication Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Convey the mission of the VIC and the need of at-risk and homeless Veterans & Families. Track and maintain written records and reports of work and outreach efforts. Represent the team and organization during community meetings and forums that can address the needs of the Veteran population. Technical Skills Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the ability to assist the client to address symptoms using strategies such as positive self-talk. Knowledge of community behavioral health services, agencies and support groups. Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals, and other relevant materials. Apply effective de-escalation techniques for Veterans in crisis and connect them with ongoing services to address their mental health needs. Teamwork Participate in community meetings that use a collective approach to problem-solving. Manage individual workload and provide support to team members when needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Constant

• Work with Veterans in crisis or extreme mental distress living in homelessness. Frequent
• Drive safely and recognize hazards, including 15 passenger vehicle. Frequent
• Work in difficult weather and environments. Occasional
• Travel over 24 hours for work-related events and training.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid US Driver License, Proof of Current Insurance, Use of Reliable POV Clean Motor Vehicle Driving Record

• no more than 2 moving violations or license suspension in the past 3 years
• Criminal History does not automatically exclude applicant form potential hiring

WORKING CONDITIONS

Indoor:

60%

• Office environment

Outdoor:

40%

• All weather conditions & temperatures

Pay:

$38,000.00

• $45,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

403(b) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person