Peer Specialist, Bipoc

HIRING BONUS OPPORTUNITY!

At Jefferson Center, it is our policy and our mission to be inclusive and mindful of the diversity of everyone who comes through our doors. We are passionate about building a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages.

Our definition of a 'Peer' is someone who has been a client of mental health (including substance use) services and the 'Specialist' refers to one's ability to support recovery in the people we work with through building connections, encouraging hope, and moving toward a better life. This job is designed to work primarily with individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), and individuals who identify as BIPOC are strongly encouraged to apply.

What you can expect as a Peer Specialist at Jefferson Center:

You can expect to work with a supportive team of other peers. You'll have opportunities to utilize your strengths around issues and activities that are important to you. There are opportunities for professional and personal growth. We provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. You'll be able to work in an autonomous, self-directed, community-based role. Our workplace is safe, supportive, and accepting.

We are an organization that experiences inclusive and equitable practices aimed at increasing access to care, providing quality services, and delivering effective outcomes to all members of its diverse communities. At Jefferson Center, we anticipate, adapt, and act, confident in our ability to lead the way because we are all in, all together for the success of our clients. If you want to be part of a passionate team committed to helping people improve their health and their happiness, join our team.

Job Specific Competencies/Duties:

• Ability to practice cultural competence as well as cultural humility when working with clients with a diverse range of identities, beliefs, and experiences.

• Understanding of the ways in which BIPOC individuals experience marginalization, particularly when seeking medical care and behavioral health services.

• Has a clear understanding of intersectionality in regard to mental health and racial identity

• Participate as an active member on the BIPOC Steering Committee as part of Jefferson Center's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Oversight Committee.

• Support individuals through their recovery journey by learning together, building positive relationships, and moving towards the future

• Demonstrates ways to become empowered and self-responsible.

• Resource acquisition including assisting clients with application for benefits and basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, medical, dental care, legal, vocational, psychiatric services, etc.

• Co-facilitates groups using Recovery-based practice guidelines

• Identify risk factors including lethality and/or decompensation. Coordinate an appropriate and timely handoff to facilitate intervention by clinical staff or the emergency team.

• Coordinates with internal and external providers to assist clients in reaching their goals

• Promotes client engagement in appropriate services and supports

• Provide self-help recovery services (MyStrength, WRAP, Pathways to Recovery)

• Use good personal and professional judgement in all internal and external interactions.

• Position reports directly to the Clinical Coordinator of Peer Services

Other Duties (Productivity Performance Measures, Professional Growth/Development, Relationships/Communication):

• Attends mandatory in-services; compliance with individualized training plan if required

• Participates in supervision by coming prepared with an agenda. Reports high risk/problem cases and uses a problem-solving approach as well as feedback.

• Submits 90% of Progress notes within 3 working days

• Maintains effective interpersonal relations with clients, peers, subordinates, upper management, visitors, and the general public. Uses language and behavior to promote dignity and respect.

• Effectively responds to the client's needs and problems, initiates, and maintains positive interactions, timely response to phone calls, email and other requests.

• Demonstrates knowledge and skills to develop therapeutic alliance with clients and to work effectively and with cultural competence with clients from diverse backgrounds.

• Participates in staff development activities to enhance professional growth.

• Addresses the whole health needs of the client by ensuring that appropriate referrals are made as needed when significant physical health needs are a consideration

• Utilizes a range of appropriate recovery focused interventions according to need, or refers as indicated, to wellness classes/coaching, co-occurring/substance use services and employment services.

• Participates in team meetings and planned activities.

• Understand how trauma impacts the lives of the people being served, so that every interaction is consistent with the recovery process and reduces the possibility of re-traumatization.

• Participate in the Center's training/educational programs designed to enhance knowledge about Trauma Informed Care, the impact of trauma and trauma recovery.

• Ensure that delivery practices are guided by the 10 principles of trauma informed care.

• Complete all assigned training related to serving the BIPOC community.

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required:

• High School Degree or GED required, BA in a related field preferred.

• Knowledge of Recovery-based concepts.

• Good Communication Skills.

• Good Organization Skills.

• Personal Resilience, and willingness for continued learning

• Personal History as client of Mental Health Services.

• Experience, training and connection with BIPOC communities.

• Valid Driver's license and DMV Background Clearance to Transport Consumers. Motor Vehicle Insurance Coverage requires applicant must be 25 years or older. Must have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Driving record as determine by our insurance carrier. An MVR will be pulled along with a background check.

• Basic Computer Skills

• Exhibits enthusiasm, respect, adaptability, flexibility, and spirit of cooperation in the work environment

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Salary Grade 49 - High School/GED Counselor $36,400 to $46,300* ($17.50/hr - $22.26/hr)

Salary Grade 50- Bachelor's Degree (Case Manager) $39,100 to $49,800* (18.80/hr - $23.94/hr)

Additional Salary Information*:

• All salaries at Jefferson Center are calculated based on years of total relevant experience.*
• The salary range above is based on 1.0 FTE (full time equivalent) or 40 hours per week. Less than 40 hours/week will be prorated and adjusted to the appropriate FTE.*
• Additional pay provided for evening, overnight, and weekend shifts.*
• This position qualifies for a limited time grant funded bonus of $1000 paid on the one month anniversary!*

Additional Bonus Information*:

• Based on full time (40 hours/week). Prorate if less than 40 hours/week*
• Must work a minimum of 20 hours/week to be eligible for bonus*
• Current Jefferson Center employees not eligible for sign on bonus*

Application deadline: 7/19/2024. Review of applications will begin immediately.